13/08/2026
𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐧 | 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧
The Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement (SACSI) Office of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights - Region IX, successfully conducted YouthFest 2026: Tinig at Galaw ng Kabataan on August 12, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Covered Court 2 (MPCC 2), Ateneo de Zamboanga University, in celebration of International Youth Day (IYD).
Celebrated every August 12, International Youth Day recognizes the significant role of young people in shaping communities and building a more inclusive, sustainable, and rights-respecting world. In response to this global celebration, SACSI and CHR RIX brought together young people from different educational institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, and youth groups for a day of learning, dialogue, creativity, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. YouthFest 2026 marks the first International Youth Day-related initiative conducted by SACSI and CHR RIX at AdZU, creating a meaningful space where young people could learn about their rights, discover opportunities, express their voices, and translate their ideas into action.
The celebration brought together approximately 130 participants from various higher education institutions, including Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCSMT), and the University of Zamboanga (UZ).
The event was further enriched by the participation of partner institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, youth groups, and community partners, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region IX, National Youth Commission, Mujer – LGBTQ+ Organization, Gender and Development of Zamboanga City, youth entrepreneurs engaged through DTI, Rotaract Club of Zamboanga West, and Youth Alliance for Human Rights Ateneo-YAHRA .
The celebration also welcomed representatives of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), including Hon. Lloyd Angelo Santos of SK Lumbangan, Hon. Dianne Cabato of SK Sto. Niño, Hon. Rina Manalo of SK Quiniput, Hon. Ruby Joy Cruz of SK Mangusu, and Hon. Moy Tama of SK Campo Islam. Adding to the significance of the gathering, Ms. CJ Dalipe, SK National President and SK Zamboanga City Federation President, also visited the event and expressed support for initiatives that promote youth participation, leadership, and advocacy. Their diverse representation highlighted the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, youth organizations, and community partners in creating responsive opportunities for youth development and ensuring that young people are not only given spaces to speak but are also empowered to translate their voices into meaningful action.
The program formally opened with a welcome message from Mr. Kevin Roy Jimera, who highlighted the important role of young people in nation-building and encouraged the participants to recognize their capacity to contribute to meaningful change. His message set the tone for a celebration centered on the belief that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but active partners in shaping the future of their communities.
One of the major highlights of YouthFest 2026 was the series of learning sessions on Empowering the Youth, which provided participants with perspectives and practical knowledge on human rights, gender responsiveness, leadership, civic participation, and programs and services available to young people. Mr. Peter Villadolid facilitated the Human Rights Training 101 session, emphasizing the importance of understanding and promoting human rights as a foundation for responsible citizenship. Mr. Wilfredo J. Aporongao, Gender and Development Officer of the City Government of Zamboanga, led the discussion on Gender and Development, encouraging participants to recognize the importance of gender equality, inclusion, and responsiveness in community life.
The session on Leadership and Civic Participation, facilitated by Hon. Kimberly Anne D. Villaflores, Councilor of District 2 of the City of Zamboanga, challenged the participants to see leadership not simply as a position but as an opportunity to serve and participate meaningfully in addressing community concerns. Meanwhile, Ms. Maribel M. Santos, Trade & Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry Region IX, and Ms. Gloria O. Halirin, Supervising TESD Specialist of the TESDA Zamboanga City–Isabela City District Office, introduced various programs, services, and opportunities that young people can access for skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment.
Beyond the learning sessions, YouthFest 2026 provided participants with opportunities to express themselves and engage with fellow young people through the Pop-Up Bazaar, Talent Showcase, and Poster-Making Contest. The Pop-Up Bazaar served as a dynamic space for youth entrepreneurship and community engagement, allowing young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and initiatives while encouraging participants to appreciate the creativity and potential of the local youth.
The Talent Showcase further brought energy and creativity to the celebration. 4-Tastic Youth presented a combination of acapella, beatboxing, and storytelling that highlighted youth rights and the collective responsibility of young people to become part of positive change. Ateneo Blue Vigor captivated the audience through a dynamic dance performance, while Skyline Band concluded the showcase with a live musical performance that brought participants together in celebration.
Art also became a medium for youth advocacy through the Poster-Making Contest, where participants transformed their ideas and perspectives into visual expressions of youth empowerment and social responsibility. Mr. Gabriel Antonio Bazan of Western Mindanao State University emerged as the winner, while Ms. Nikki V. Delos Reyes received First Place and Ms. Angeline Aggraviador of Ateneo de Zamboanga University received Second Place.
The celebration culminated in a message from Atty. Judelyn T. Macapili, who reminded the participants of the power they possess as young people. She emphasized that the youth can become the “tinig” or voice of those who are unheard and the “galaw” or action for those who need help, encouraging them to let their actions be guided by compassion and a genuine commitment to service. Her message resonated with the central spirit of YouthFest—that having a voice also carries the responsibility to act, and that meaningful change begins when young people choose to participate.
More than a celebration of International Youth Day, YouthFest 2026: Tinig at Galaw ng Kabataan served as a formation and engagement space aligned with the mission of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. Through its emphasis on human rights, leadership, gender responsiveness, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and community engagement, the initiative supported the University's commitment to forming competent, compassionate, conscientious, and committed individuals who use their gifts in service of others and the common good. It also reflects the Ignatian call to become men and women for and with others, recognizing that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about using that knowledge to respond to the needs of society.
The event likewise contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality and inclusive learning opportunities through SDG 4: Quality Education; advancing awareness of gender equality and inclusion through SDG 5: Gender Equality; opening spaces for youth entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic participation in support of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; promoting inclusion and equal participation in line with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; strengthening human rights education, civic participation, and justice under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and demonstrating the value of collaboration among schools, government agencies, civil society, and youth organizations through SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
YouthFest 2026 reminds us that the youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow. They are voices and partners of today. Their tinig can raise awareness, challenge injustice, and speak for those whose voices remain unheard. Their galaw can turn ideas into initiatives, participation into service, and hope into meaningful action.
As the celebration comes to a close, SACSI and CHR RIX continue to affirm the call for young people to speak with courage, act with compassion, and serve with heart—because when the tinig of the youth is matched by meaningful galaw, communities move forward.
𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧: 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞.
MAKIALAM. MAKIBAHAGI. MAKI-SACSI.
