Thirty-eight youth leaders from the previously rebel-infested towns of Pinabacdao and Calbiga in Samar completed a three-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) as part of government efforts to sustain peace.

The summit, organized by the 63rd Infantry Battalion under the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), was held in Pinabacdao town from May 18 to 20.

Carrying the theme “Youth for Peace, Unity, and Development Across Samar,” the activity aimed to boost young leaders’ leadership, patriotism, civic engagement, and social responsibility, encouraging active roles in peace and community development.

Participants attended lectures, workshops, team-building, and discussions on leadership, values, youth empowerment, environment, disaster preparedness, health, anti-drugs, and peace efforts, the Philippine Army said Thursday.

The summit also tackled critical thinking, social media responsibility, and awareness of deceptive recruitment, misinformation, and radicalization by communist insurgent groups targeting youth.

Military officials said the activity was significant given the history of insurgency in Pinabacdao and Calbiga, which were once considered areas with strong communist influence in Samar.

Cris Balmes, regional vice president of the Youth for Peace Movement Eastern Visayas, emphasized the need to empower young people to sustain peace gains in vulnerable communities.

“Youth are among the most influential sectors in society. By equipping them with leadership skills, proper values, and awareness of societal issues, we help protect them from deception and manipulation,” Balmes said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that the summit encouraged participants to become responsible leaders and active partners in advancing peace and development in their respective communities.

The 8ID said the YLS forms part of the government’s broader strategy to address the root causes of insurgency through youth development and stronger community engagement.

“The youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. Through activities like the Youth Leadership Summit, we aim to inspire young people to become advocates of peace, good governance, and community development,” it said in a statement.

Officials also highlighted collaboration among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, local government units, educators, community leaders, and other stakeholders in implementing the program. (PNA)