Antipolo City, Philippines, July 22-23, 2023 - The International Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov), partnered with Community Organizers Multiversity - CO Multiversity, Institute of Politics and Governance (IPG), Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN), and LeadGov Hub, to deliver on Youth Leadership Training for Politics, Governance and Development. Held on July 22-23, 2023, this event aimed to equip young leaders for effective governance. The training had the participation of 48 youth leaders from 22 barangays in Manila, Caloocan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Malabon, and Rizal province.
Ms. Jessica Amon from Community Organizers (CO) - Multiversity welcomed participants. She commended the young leaders for their eagerness to learn, underscoring their role as agents of meaningful change. Mr. Justine Balane acknowledged partner organizations - INCITEGov, CO-Multiversity, CYAN, and IPG - for their contribution. Ms. Marj Ibanez, Executive Director of INCITEGov, introduced the Politic Governance and Development Outcomes (P-G-D) Theory of Change. She highlighted the impact of values on decision-making and relationships, discussing the Four Types of Power: 'power over,' 'power with,' 'power to,' and 'power within.' Practical exercises engaged the youth leaders. The training delved into knowledge and skills assessment, constituency mapping, and issue analysis, led by Ms. Rafaela David, IPG Consultant and AKBAYAN President. Mr. Justine Balane explored effective organizing and messaging, while Ms. Arlene Santos, IPG, covered planning and platform development. Emphasis lay on aligning principles with the needs of the community.
Participants showcased their governance platforms in group workshops and mock public presentations, emphasizing meaningful leadership rather than mere rhetoric ("May plataporma, hindi puro porma)." In the closing activity, participants and organizers formed a circle, sharing one-word sentiments. Words like "SIKLAB," "hopeful," ""fly," "push," and "success" encapsulated the experience.
The participants departed with a sense of renewed hope and determination to contribute to progressive governance in their barangays.