Mission Possible: Empowering Ormocanon Youth through a Project Management Bootcamp (Batch 2024)

Batch Hiraya successfully implemented their first post-program activity (PPA) titled “Mission Possible: The Project Management Bootcamp” from September 25 to 27, 2025, in Ormoc City. The three-day capacity-building initiative gathered 60 youth leaders from schools, youth organizations, and Sangguniang Kabataan councils to strengthen their project management skills and empower them to lead sustainable community initiatives.

Organized in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Ormoc through the City Youth Development Office, the activity responded to the city’s ongoing need to build youth leadership in disaster resilience, climate action, and mental health advocacy. Inspired by the values of the SSEAYP and aligned with the mandate of the National Youth Commission to promote meaningful youth participation, the bootcamp aimed to transform youth passion into concrete and sustainable community action.

The activity featured keynote talks, panel discussions, interactive workshops, mentoring sessions, and a culminating project pitching competition. Throughout the bootcamp, members of Batch Hiraya and Ormoc City LGU youth volunteers served as facilitators and mentors, sharing lessons from their SSEAYP experience and guiding participants in developing community-based projects addressing local concerns such as disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and youth well-being. By the end of the activity, participants gained practical skills in project planning, collaboration, and leadership, while also building stronger partnerships with local government and fellow youth advocates. 

Through this activity, Batch Hiraya reaffirmed the enduring impact of the SSEAYP experience by translating international learning into meaningful local action. The initiative not only strengthened youth leadership in Ormoc but also fostered partnerships between young leaders and local institutions, paving the way for sustainable youth-led community development.

Mission Possible stands as a testament to how the SSEAYP experience continues beyond the ship—empowering young leaders to translate global learning into meaningful local impact.

Aklan Youth P.I.T.C.H: Empowering Aklanon Youth in Community-Based Drug Prevention

Moving from Ormoc City to the Panay Island, Batch Hiraya successfully implemented their post-program activity, “Aklan Youth P.I.T.C.H: Prevention Initiatives Training for Community Health”, on October 3-4, 2025 in Kalibo, Aklan. The two-day program brought together 60 youth leaders from across the province to strengthen their skills in designing and implementing community-based initiatives focused on drug prevention and youth health.

Organized with the Provincial Government of Aklan, PADAC, the Provincial Health Office, the Aklan Provincial Youth Development Office, and partner organizations, the program addressed rising youth vulnerability to drugs, vaping, alcohol, and other risky behaviors. It combined training sessions with a project pitching competition, where SSEAYP Batch Hiraya members served as facilitators and mentors.

Participants submitted youth-led project proposals, with over 90% showing improved project management and pitching skills. Three outstanding groups received seed funding and mentorship to implement their initiatives, with a Php 100,000 grant provided by the Local Government Unit. A provincial youth coalition on drug prevention was also established to sustain advocacy and collaboration moving forward.

Aklan Youth P.I.T.C.H highlighted the value of youth leadership, collaboration, and multi-sectoral partnerships in promoting sustainable community health initiatives. Through this activity, Batch Hiraya demonstrates how youth-led approaches can translate international learning into meaningful local impact, empowering young leaders to contribute to community development and nation-building.

Kickstart Your Potential: Inspiring Youth Leadership Among Kalibonhon Youth

Continuing the journey in Aklan, Batch Hiraya conducted their Post-Program Activity titled “Kickstart Your Potential: Youth Leadership Talk for Kalibonhon Youth” on October 4, 2025 at Aklan State University – Kalibo Campus in Kalibo, Aklan. The half-day activity gathered student leaders and youth representatives to inspire young people to recognize their leadership potential and actively engage in community and nation-building.

The initiative was organized in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Kalibo, Pulong ng Kabataan – Kalibo Chapter, and the University Student Council of Aklan State University Kalibo. Opening messages from university and local government leaders highlighted the important role of youth leadership in advancing community progress and sustainable development.

The program featured keynote and thematic talks delivered by members of Batch Hiraya, focusing on leadership development, self-awareness, change-making, and climate action. An interactive open forum allowed participants to engage in dialogue, share reflections, and discuss their aspirations as emerging leaders.

Through the activity, participants gained renewed motivation and confidence to take initiative in their schools and communities. Kickstart Your Potential served as a platform for strengthening youth leadership and civic engagement while promoting the values of friendship, service, and collaboration embodied by the SSEAYP.

Project TANUM: Greening the Future, Nurturing Hope in Boracay Wetlands

From Kalibo to Boracay, Batch Hiraya implemented their post-program activity titled “Project TANUM: Greening the Future, Nurturing Hope” last October 5, 2025, at the Boracay Wetland Area in Barangay Balabag, Malay, Aklan. The initiative brought together youth leaders, government agencies, and community organizations in a collaborative effort to promote environmental stewardship and support wetland rehabilitation.

Organized in partnership with the Aklan Provincial Youth Development Office, Pulong ng Kabataan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Boracay, Kalibo Save the Mangroves (KASAMA), Inc., the Philippine Red Cross Aklan Chapter, Red Cross Youth Aklan, Junior Jaycees Aklan, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Balabag, and the Local Government Unit of Malay, the activity highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing environmental challenges in ecologically sensitive areas such as Boracay Island.

The program began with an orientation and technical briefing on mangrove planting and wetland conservation led by environmental partners. Participants then conducted hands-on mangrove planting, contributing directly to the rehabilitation of the Boracay wetlands. An Adopt-a-Tree pledge encouraged participants to commit to nurturing and monitoring the planted mangroves, symbolizing long-term environmental responsibility.

Beyond the tangible outcome of newly planted mangrove seedlings, Project TANUM strengthened environmental awareness, youth leadership, and volunteerism among participants. A reflection and sharing session further reinforced the values of sustainability, service, and collaboration promoted by SSEAYP.

Through initiatives like Project TANUM, Batch Hiraya continues to translate the spirit of SSEAYP into meaningful local action—empowering young leaders to take an active role in environmental protection, climate action, and community development.

Davao Young Leaders Congress: Empowering Emerging Leaders in the Davao Region

Batch Hiraya supported the implementation of the “Davao Young Leaders Congress (DYLC) 2025”, held from October 16 to 19, 2025, in Davao City. The four-day hybrid leadership development program gathered emerging youth leaders from across the Davao Region to strengthen their capacity to lead community initiatives and policy-driven solutions.

Organized in partnership with DYESABEL Philippines, Inc., the National Youth Commission, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Junior Chamber International Davao, and various youth and civic organizations, the Congress selected and trained the Top 25 most outstanding youth leaders, known as Diways, from across the provinces of the Davao Region. The program aimed to cultivate values-based leadership grounded in the framework of People, Planet, Policy, and Prosperity.

DYLC 2025 was implemented in two phases. The virtual phase provided foundational learning through sessions on systems thinking, sustainability, project development, policymaking, and startup ideation. This was followed by the face-to-face congress, where participants engaged in immersive workshops, policy simulations, leadership laboratories, and project pitching activities addressing pressing youth and community issues in the region.

Batch Hiraya served as speakers, facilitators, mentors, and judges, sharing insights from their international leadership experiences and guiding participants in developing community-based solutions and policy proposals. A key highlight of the program was the collaborative challenge addressing tobacco-related issues affecting youth, encouraging participants to apply systems thinking and policy innovation in their proposals.

Through the DYLC 2025, participants strengthened their leadership skills, policy engagement, and collaborative networks. The initiative reinforced the values of service, sustainability, and regional cooperation championed by SSEAYP while empowering a new generation of youth leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities.

Project ELYU: Sustaining the Mind and the Environment in La Union

From South to North, Batch Hiraya successfully implemented “Project ELYU: Panagtalinayon ti Panunot ken Aglawlaw (Sustaining the Mind and the Environment)” on November 20–21, 2025 in Bangar and Sto. Tomas, La Union. The youth-led initiative focused on promoting mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and environmental responsibility among elementary and high school students, with active parental involvement.

Organized in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. General Prime West, Pudoc Elementary School, and Damortis National High School, Project ELYU combined interactive workshops, reflection exercises, and experiential activities. Key sessions included grounding exercises, emotion identification, mindfulness and movement activities, creative reflections, and a self-care to self-love module. Parents participated in selected activities to strengthen family support systems and reinforce emotional connections with their children.

The program emphasized holistic youth development, fostering self-awareness, empathy, and healthy coping mechanisms while integrating environmental consciousness. Batch Hiraya members facilitated, mentored, and provided safe spaces for participants, ensuring an environment of trust and engagement. The initiative introduced participants to practical tools for managing mental health, normalizing emotional expression, and promoting self-care as part of daily life.

Project ELYU successfully enhanced emotional literacy, reduced anxiety, and strengthened parent–child relationships among participants. It exemplifies the SSEAYP values of youth leadership, empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement. By creating safe, reflective, and participatory spaces, the initiative empowers young people to become resilient, mindful, and responsible contributors to their families, communities, and environment.

Siyap Ko Mga Wata: SSEAYP Batch Hiraya Reaches Displaced Children and Youth in Lanao del Sur

In continuing their commitment to community service and youth empowerment, Batch Hiraya conducted their last post-program activity titled “Siyap Ko Mga Wata” on January 31 to February 1, 2026 in Barimbingan, Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur. The outreach initiative aimed to support underserved and internally displaced children and youth by providing learning opportunities, psychosocial support activities, and community engagement sessions.

The project was organized in collaboration with SSEAYP International Philippines alumni in Marawi City, Citizenship and Parliamentary Initiative, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur. It sought to respond to the continuing needs of communities affected by displacement and conflict, particularly following the aftermath of the Siege of Marawi. Through educational and interactive activities, the initiative provided a safe and supportive space for young participants to learn, express themselves, and build hope for the future.

The activity engaged local children and youth through storytelling, games, leadership activities, and community dialogue. These activities were designed to foster confidence, strengthen social connections, and encourage youth participation in community-building efforts.

Siyap Ko Mga Wata highlights the continuing commitment of SSEAYP alumni to serve communities beyond the activity. By bringing together youth leaders, local partners, and community members, the initiative demonstrated how the values of solidarity, service, and leadership cultivated through SSEAYP can contribute to meaningful and lasting impact in underserved communities.