They say that the most important part of raising a child is to build their self-esteem. On the other hand, teaching them self-love is an important value of building self-esteem. Once a child knows how to love himself/herself – accepts and embraces their limitations and negativities; and knows how to adapt accordingly – this child will grow up to be brave, confident and respectful. This will be achieved through continuous and selfless giving, support, respect; and unconditional guidance NOT ONLY by their parents only, but also their relatives, friends, classmates, neighbors and the community. That is why the government units, government agencies, and non-government organizations have made several programs and activities teaching, supporting, and guiding children.
The Philippine Army has also made programs regarding this. Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, PA, both its organic and operational-controlled units do this initiative as well. On November 9-11, 2022, the 5th Special Forces Battalion (Airborne) through 10th Special Forces (Cobra) Company fully supported the Provincial Youth Summit 2022 at Barangay Sulit, Polomolok, South Cotabato organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) and Pag Asa Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PYAP) in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Polomolok South Cotabato and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato with the theme “Youth Empowerment for Peace and Resilience Building”.
The activity seeks to empower the youth, enhance their leadership skills, good citizenship and patriotism, cooperation and participation through various peace-building activities and youth-focused initiatives. 116 youth representatives from 11 different municipalities of South Cotabato participated in the summit. More than the talents they possessed, the participants also displayed cooperation, adaptability and genuine support for each other in carrying out the different activities lined up for them.
During the grand opening, several personalities were in attendance such as Ms. Carlie Garcia, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), Polomolok, Ms Sonia Bautista, RSW, MPA, NTRM, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO), Mr Raffy Ormita, Federal President of Provincial Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), Hon Alicia Bagatila, Brgy Chairman of Brgy Sulit, Municipality of Polomolok, Hon Mayor Palencia represented by Ms Regina Bianan, Hon Allan Ines, Board Member of 1st District and Hon Junette Ines Hurtado, Board Member of 2nd District, South Cotabato. All of them gave their inspirational message aimed at inspiring and guiding the youth participants. Meanwhile, LTC CARLYLEO P NAGAC INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 5th Special Forces Battalion said: “Ang pagiging pagasa ng bayan ay tunay na isang pribilehiyo subalit higit sa lahat, ito ay isang mabigat na responsibilidad. Ang inyong mga magulang, kamag-anak at kaibigan, kabilang ang mga kawani at kinatawan ng gobyerno at lipunan ay nagtutulong-tulong upang matulungan, magabayan at maihanda kayo tungo sa isang magandang kinabukasan. Ngunit huwag niyong kalilimutan na kayo ay may malaki at importanteng papel para sa kinabukasan. Sa inyo nakasalalay ang kapakanan ng bansa, ng mundo at ang kanyang kalikasan, at ang pagpapatuloy ng ating lahi kabilang na ang kanyang kultura at paraan ng pamumuhay hindi lamang para sa inyong sarili kundi para rin sa susunod na mga henerasyon. Nawa’y lagi niyong isaalang-alang at tatandaan, you are the Hope of our Nation.”
Lecturers from different government and non-government organizations also shared different topics such as Role of the Youth in Nation Building, Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Responsible Sharing of Information, Social Media Advocacy, Solid Waste Management and First Aid Response. In line with this year’s theme, SSg Lubin G Colonia of the 5th Special Forces Battalion, presented a lecture entitled "CTG Recruitment and Violent Extremism" to increase the participants’ awareness of the deceptions employed and perpetrated by terrorists and the resulting dangers that came along with their acts.
More activities like this are being done to help rightfully raise the children which are believed to be the hope of our nation because children grow up according to their home environment and the community where they are living in. That is why it is really important to help raise a child by being good models and to guide them on the right path.