COTABATO CITY (July 1, 2022) — Fifty participants of the Peace and Environmental Youth Camp (PEYC) 2022 culminated their three-day camp on Thursday, June 30, at Cotabato State University (CSU), Cotabato City.
The youth camp, which started on Tuesday, June 28, was conducted by Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) – Maguindanao with Cotabato City and Special Geographic Areas (MagCotSGA) in partnership with the Cotabato State University (CSU), Mindanao State University (MSU)-Maguindanao, Ministry Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) and other partner institutions.
During the closing ceremony, BYC-MagCotSGA Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding said the program serves as a means of mainstreaming the culture of peace in the context of Bangsamoro youth and the environment.
“Kasabay ng pag-develop ng kung anong gusto natin kapayapan para sa Bangsamoro ay kung anong kapayapaan din ang maibibigay natin sa environment na kinakailangan tignan natin,” he addressed the campers.
The PEYC is an annual program of BYC to raise environmental consciousness among youth and increase their participation in the peace process and conflict resolutions.
Commissioner Dunding also reminded the youth campers of their roles in the Bangsamoro peace process.
“Tatlo po ang nakikita natin na ang role ng kabataan ngayon: una, kailangan natin i-protect; pangalawa, kailangan natin i-sustain; pangatlo kailangan natin i-strengthen yung gains ng Bangsamoro peace process,” Commission Dunding said.
During the camp, the participants underwent series of learning sessions and workshops on peacebuilding and environmental issues. Topics include preventing, countering and transforming violent extremism; the youth’s role in peacebuilding and preserving; addressing ecological conflicts, among others.
The campers also conducted a tree planting activity at Timako Hill, Kalanganan 2 in this city. The activity was facilitated by MENRE and the Tactical Operations Group 12 of the Philippine Air Force.
The BYC’s PEYC 2022 was conducted as part of the nationwide celebration of the Philippine Environment Month this month of June.
The camp also served to bridge and create healthy environment between the youth of Maguindanao, Cotabato City and the Special Geographic Areas of North Cotabato.
Nadia Sabangan, one of the youth campers, shared that she “truly appreciate” the meaningful learning experiences she had with fellow campers, which she is excited to share with her community.
Meanwhile, camper Naila Mantawil, expressed her gratitude that she became part of the camp. She said she is proud to be one the “Eco Warriors” which the camp produced.
The culmination program was also graced by the presence of MSU-IPDM Director Grant Warren Lu, MENRE representative Judy Angkad, CSU Academic Related Services Director Norainie Mabang, and CSU University Student Council Adviser Kundo Pahm.
This year’s PEYC was hosted by CSU through its University Student Council. Commissioner Dunding announced the 3rd PEYC will be hosted by the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Special Geographic Areas of North Cotabato. (BYC PR Unit/KAA)
