In a landmark event focused on empowering the next generation of leaders, Davao City held its 1st Muslim Youth Congress on November 19 at the Al-Raddadi Suites. The initiative brought together 85 young leaders from six Muslim tribes and Balik Islam, underscoring the importance of youth involvement in promoting peace and security in the region.
Building a Stronger Foundation for the Future
The congress, organized by the Davao City Task Force Davao, in collaboration with the Muslim Affairs Office and the Youth Sectoral Council, aimed to equip young Muslim leaders with critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. These competencies are seen as essential for fostering positive change within their communities.
Col. Darren Comia, Task Force Davao Commander, emphasized the indispensable role of youth in safeguarding peace and order.
“We cannot do this alone. We need the help, support, cooperation, and collaboration of the different sectors of society, including our youth,” he stated.
Youth Voices at the Forefront
The newly appointed Muslim Youth Sectoral Representative, Sittie Aysha Cariga Pumbaya, expressed her optimism about the youth congress during an interview with Madayaw. She emphasized that the event not only fostered unity among the city’s diverse Muslim youth but also amplified their voices in shaping policies that impact their lives.
“As our beloved Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte wants to uplift the Muslim community, we, his people, are always behind him,” she said.
“It’s a way for us to show the youth that their voices are being heard, their voice matters, and that whatever they think can actually be implemented through the Davao City youth sector.”
Pumbaya also revealed plans for a 5-day Muslim Youth Summit next year, signaling a sustained commitment to developing the leadership potential of Davao City’s Muslim youth.
A Collective Commitment to Peace and Security
The congress served as a platform for young Muslim leaders to share insights and collaborate on initiatives that promote peace and order in their communities. Participants left the event equipped with skills and a renewed sense of purpose to actively contribute to the city’s stability and prosperity.
With support from local government units, community leaders, and Mayor Duterte’s administration, Davao City continues to pave the way for inclusive growth, ensuring that the voices of young leaders are integral to its vision for a harmonious and progressive future.
The 1st Muslim Youth Congress marks the beginning of a movement that recognizes the vital role of the youth as peace-builders, change-makers, and custodians of the city’s vibrant multicultural heritage.
