The members of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) in the CALABARZON Region expressed their gratitude for the educational assistance and livelihood opportunities they receive from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They have shared this during the association’s 41st Foundation Day Celebration held in Antipolo City, Rizal Province last September 18, 2015.
The PYAP is a DSWD-managed organization for out-of-school youths (OSYs) age 15 to 24 years old that is geared towards the youth’s economic, personality, cultural, and social development. The association is federated at the municipal level wherein the local government units (LGUs) provide OSYs with livelihood and skills trainings, personality enhancement activities, and leadership seminars. The LGUs also partner with other organizations and academic institutions to deliver these services to the youths.
Arnel Avila, a PYAP member from General Trias in Cavite Province, acknowledged the help of the association for inspiring him to finish his studies and reach his dreams. Avila is now a college instructor in Cavite.
“Nawalan na ako ng pag-asa dati at naligaw ng landas. Pero dahil sa PYAP, nagkaroon ako ng inspirasyon na buuin ulit ang mga pangarap ko. Ngayon na instructor na ako, masasabi kong successful ako, hindi dahil sa yaman, kundi dahil sa kuntento at masaya akong natupad ang mga pangarap ko,” said Avila.
Keycelin Caya and Nulshiva Alpani from Batangas City in Batangas Province also thanked PYAP for providing them education. Caya currently takes a TESDA Electronics course while Alpani studies through the Alternative Learning System.
“Nagkakaroon pa po kami ng maraming kaibigan. Sa mga activities at celebrations po na gaya nito, mas nagiging close kami at nakakapag-share din ng mga pangarap sa buhay,” said Alpani.
Liezl Alvarez, the DSWD sectoral focal person for the CALABARZON Region, said that the Department will continuously strengthen its partnership with the LGUs to help the OSYs in realizing their potentials and pursuing a career.
“Patuloy po tayong makikipagtulungan sa kanila para masiguro ang tuloy-tuloy na pag-angat ng antas ng buhay at kalagayan ng mga kabataan,” said Alvarez.
The celebration also had discussions on the youth’s rights against human trafficking and responsibilities on disaster preparedness. Games were also held as part of the culmination activity. #