Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Youth Commission Tawi-Tawi
COTABATO CITY (August 15, 2024) — As part of this year’s celebration of International Youth Day (IYD), the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Information and Communication Technology (BICTO) conducted digital literacy training for youth organizations.
The training, held on Tuesday, August 14 in this city, was attended by representatives from BYC-accredited youth organizations, Sangguniang Kabataan, and student councils.
This year’s IYD celebration theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” focuses on the role of youth and digitalization in advancing sustainable development goals.
The youth participants engaged in various training sessions and workshops facilitated by information and communication officers from BICTO, covering topics such as digital etiquette, Canva design, and mobile photography.
In her welcome message, BYC Youth Development Officer Settie Ivy Ampatuan extended her gratitude to BICTO for its continued support in the development of the Bangsamoro youth, emphasizing their power and potential in the increasingly digitalized society.
The training formed part of BYC’s month-long activities for the IYD celebration. Last week, BYC conducted the 3rd Bangsamoro Youth Parliament (BYP) and aired a special episode of Bangsamoro Youth Hours (BYH) featuring guests from BICTO who discussed the office’s programs and opportunities for youth.
BYC Commissioner Pratima Sabal-Samsaraji urged the youth participants to carry forward the skills they had learned, noting that they are crucial assets of the Bangsamoro government as partners in advancing sustainable development.
In celebration of IYD, BYC has also organized mini vlog competitions for youth, awarding a total of ₱57,000 to the winners. The celebration will culminate in the 5th State of the Bangsamoro Youth Address (SOBYA) to be held on August 21.
BICTO Executive Director Jonathan Mantikayan, in his closing message, emphasized the ongoing efforts of the Bangsamoro Government’s to advance digital infrastructure and e-governance in the region, highlighting the youth’s crucial role in the process.
IYD is celebrated annually on August 12 following the United Nations General Assembly resolution 54/120 passed in 1999. The Philippines designated this day as National Youth Day and the week coinciding it as Linggo ng Kabataan. (BYC PR Unit/KAA)
