The city government has welcomed 53 student officials who will work alongside their counterparts in the local government as part of the weeklong Boys’ and Girls’ Week celebration from Oct. 19 to 25.

Grade 10 student Alexa Jaci Bataan of the University of the Philippines Visayas-Iloilo will serve as counterpart to Mayor Raisa Treñas, while Izabela Margaret Dimla of Hua Siong College of Iloilo-Ledesco will work alongside Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda.

Treñas praised the program, initiated by the Rotary Club of Iloilo, for giving students an opportunity to experience public service firsthand.

“This week, you will learn a lot. While you are here, I hope you learn from our programs,” she said.

Treñas encouraged the student officials to share their ideas and learn from the city government, adding that local officials could also learn from the younger generation’s perspectives on addressing community issues.

The annual celebration began in Iloilo City more than 50 years ago and has since been adopted by Rotary clubs in other parts of the country.

In an interview, Bataan said young people could help raise awareness about the El Niño phenomenon, particularly the importance of water conservation.

“As youth, we can advocate for the preservation of water, especially because we need it for agriculture since the Philippines is an agricultural country,” she said, citing social media and school projects as platforms for advocacy. (PNA)