EU Ambassador Dialogue with LDS Youth Leaders

EU Ambassador Dialogue with LDS Youth Leaders

H.E. Massimo Santoro, the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, met with youth leaders in Lanao del Sur for a dialogue jointly organized by Ranao Youth Parliament leaders in the province, the UNICEF, and MARADECA.

During the dialogues youth leaders in attendance articulates their opinion, experiences, and community challenges in their advocacy for youth leadership in the community and in governance. The community challenges mentioned includes the lack of resources and facilities of the Special Education (SPED), attempt of implicating youth with extremism enrolled in Madrasa/Arabic school, and the deplorable health condition in the Sagonsongan shelter due to lack of reliable water supply.  Youth leaders aspired to support the community issues to empower themselves and their peers, promote positive change, and address social inequalities affecting their communities. With help of international donors and other agencies, these youth leaders can continue the initiatives and inspire future generation.

In response, His Excellency Massimo Santoro, acknowledge the moral of the youth leaders who invested a lot of efforts to encourage more noticeable and productive development in their community.

The dialogue was held at the Ragayan Training Center at Poona Marantao, Marantao, Lanao del Sur on November 1, 2024. The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by the organizing group and the provincial government represented by Board Member Mr. Jamil Faisal “Jeff” Adiong.