BAGUIO CITY — On December 18, 2024, the 1st Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP, under the Operational Control of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in partnership with the City Government of Baguio and the National Youth Commission, Region 1 and CAR Cluster, hosted the “TRIB-YOUTH for West Philippine Sea” at Malcolm Square, Lower Session Road in Baguio City.
The event showcased a vibrant mix of musical and cultural performances aimed at raising awareness and supporting the Philippine government’s peaceful campaign for the West Philippine Sea.
In a press release issued by the 1st Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP, it was stated that the event also marked the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 89th Founding Anniversary, showcasing its steadfast commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and empowering its citizens—especially the youth—to advocate for the country’s interests.
Youth Leadership Through TRIB
The acronym “TRIB” highlights key traits of the Filipino youth: Talented, Responsible, Informed, and Brave.
These qualities embody the potential of young Filipinos to lead the nation toward a unified and prosperous future.
The event aimed to enhance intellectual growth and nurture a sense of national solidarity by deepening the youth’s understanding of the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
Participants and Performances
The activity brought together local performers from various sectors, including uniformed services, youth organizations, academic institutions, public figures, and other groups in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Their collective efforts demonstrated solidarity in promoting the government’s initiatives to uphold national sovereignty and regional stability.
Message from the Keynote Speaker
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the critical importance of unity in asserting sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea to protect the nation’s future.
In his speech, he said:
“Itong laban natin sa West Philippine Sea ay kailangan ng ating unity or solidarity. Hindi po tayo pwedeng hati-hati dito or divided. Sama-sama po tayo dito. Kailangan po nating ipaglaban ang ating karapatan. Itong West Philippine Sea, ito na po ang future ng ating mga kabataan at ako po ay natutuwa na nagkaroon po tayo ng ganitong aktibidad. It is about time that our young people take the lead. It is about time that our young people should participate in decision making. It is about time that us elders, tayong mga nakatatanda dapat ay marunong na tayong makinig sa ating mga ipinaglalaban ngayon. Atin ang West Philippine Sea. Ito po ang kinabukasan ng ating mga batang henerasyon ngayon. Sama-sama po tayong magkaisa sa laban na ito.”
(This fight for the West Philippine Sea requires our unity and solidarity. We cannot afford to be divided. We must stand together and defend our rights. The West Philippine Sea represents the future of our youth, and I am pleased to see this initiative come to life. It is time for our young people to lead, to participate in decision-making, and for us, the elders, to listen to what they are fighting for. The West Philippine Sea is ours—it is the future of our younger generations. Let us unite in this fight.)
A Testament to Collective Patriotism
The event’s success was a result of the collaborative efforts of its partners and stakeholders, reflecting not only the patriotism of the Filipino people but also the unwavering commitment of the United Cordillerans to protecting freedom and sovereignty against any threats.
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