Young Victoreños gathered at the Mindoro State University (MinSU) Main Campus Auditorium on August 31, 2026 for Mirinsanan: Municipal Youth Convention 2026, a day-long gathering aimed at equipping the youth with knowledge, leadership skills and a stronger sense of responsibility to their communities.
“Yesterday brings memories, future gives anticipation, but today is a gift - that is why it is called present,” said Hon. Josh Pypers Macalintal, Sangguniang Kabataan Municipal Federation (SKMF) President, as he encouraged the youth to make the most of the present and act on the challenges facing their communities.
Macalintal emphasized that the youth should not be viewed merely as the hope of tomorrow, but as a force capable of creating meaningful change today.
Mirinsanan, a Mangyan word meaning gathering, togetherness or travelling together, convened students from schools across the Municipality of Victoria for a series of discussions designed to promote youth empowerment, leadership and responsible citizenship.
One of the sessions focused on adolescent health, covering nutrition, lifestyle, reproductive health, mental well-being, HIV awareness and responsible decision-making. Participants were reminded that seeking accurate information and appropriate health services should never be a source of shame.
“Ang stigma o panghuhusga ang mas pumapatay kaysa sa mismong sakit. Ang pag-alam sa tamang impormasyon at pagpapasuri ay hindi kahihiyan,” the speaker said.
The convention also addressed child and youth protection, highlighting children’s rights, sexual abuse, bullying, reporting mechanisms and online safety. The discussions encouraged the youth to help build communities where young people are protected and empowered to speak up.
Environmental responsibility was likewise emphasized, with participants learning about climate action, sustainable practices and community-based environmental initiatives. The session challenged the youth to translate awareness into concrete actions to protect natural resources.
Meanwhile, youth volunteerism and leadership were also tackled in a session led by Ella Bautista, founder and chairwoman of Mountain Support PH Inc. Drawing from her experiences working with Indigenous and vulnerable communities, Bautista urged young people to move beyond intention and take action.
“Yung pagkilos mismo ang nagbibigay sa iyo ng halaga at posisyon,” Bautista said, stressing that volunteerism is rooted in service rather than recognition.
The convention organized by the Local Youth Development Council in partnership with the University Government Students of MinSU Victoria Campus gathered students from 12 schools in Victoria, including public and private secondary schools and MinSU Victoria (Main) Campus.
An open forum followed each session which allowed participants to exchange views on the challenges confronting the youth and their role in addressing them.
The gathering also served as the culminating activity of the municipality’s Linggo ng Kabataan 2026, capping the celebration with the recognition of young Victoreños who showcased their creativity through the Photography, Poster Making and Vlog Contests.
As the convention brought together young Victoreños under one roof, its message was clear: the youth are not simply being prepared for the future - they are being called to take part in shaping it now. (jdtdc)
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