Tagum City celebrated its month-long Youth Festival along with the International Youth Day on August 2023. In line with the theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, this event showcased the capabilities of the young generation through their participation. With full of exciting activities, the City Government of Tagum through the Tagum City Youth Development Office (TCYDO) brought forth the vibrant culture of young Tagumenyos from different sectors, uniting them as one community.
Tagum City on its first day of Youth Festival at the City Hall Atrium with full of lively performances and amazing chorus. Photo credits: King Felix Loayon/CIO Tagum
Beginning on August 7, the Grand Launching of the event was full of fun performances to kickstart the celebration. The Tagum City Junior Youth Officials were also given recognition as participants for the one-week immersion program. This program aimed to impart knowledge on principles of good governance, public service, leadership, and community engagement.
The Tagum City Junior Youth Officials for their Oathtaking and Sashing Ceremony at the City Hall Atrium. Photo Credits: Jan Jeffrey Instrella/CIO TAGUM
Meanwhile, delicious food and captivating music complemented each other perfectly at the Youth Fest Food Bazaar held in Rotary Park. It was crowded with visitors who love to eat, and buy locally-made arts, crafts, and fashion products. Jam-packed with exciting events, the bazaar remained lively throughout the night. Some of these activities were Groove! Hip Hop Battle, CAUSEPlay Convention, Revival! Marathon of Praises, Recyclo Techno Runway Interbarangay Fashion Design Competition, and Tunog Tagum Battle of the Bands.
Maya Sympha performing Taylor Swift’s songs together with the young and young at heart Swifties at the Rotary Park. Photo Credits: Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum
One of the highlights of the night was the appearance of Mindanao’s own Taylor Swift impersonator, Maya Sympha. It was definitely an unforgettable night for the Swifties who sang their hearts out together with her. The crowd has never been happier that night as they enjoyed that special moment together with their friends.
The whole month was full of memorable festivities that shows the talent, skills, and camarederie of the youth. These included their active participation for Panagtapok: Youth Camp for Out-of-School Youth, PWD Youth, Young Solo Parents, and IP Youth, YouthCon 2023, Paw-Some Run: 1st Tagum Dogathon, Rave Up! Dance Cover Contest, and Pagpupugay: A Night of Recognition, A Night of Music.
Pet owners with their dogs at the starting point (City Hall) for the Paw-Some Run, the first Dogathon here in Tagum City. Photo Credits: King Felix M. Loayon
Dashing through the streets of Tagum City from City Hall to Rotary Park, more than 1700 runners joined the Color Fun Run for the colorful and vibrant experience. This symbolizes the support of Tagumenyos to the programs and projects of TCYDO to create an impact and empower the youth of Tagum city. This was made possible in collaboration with Southeastern Benevolent Empire Real Estate Corporation, Smart Communications, Coca-Cola Philippines, and Mondelez International, together with the leadership of Mayor Rey T. Uy, Sangguniang Kabataan Officials, Punong Barangays and their officials, DILG Tagum, Liga ng mga Barangay, private sectors, and public servants of City Hall.
With the diversity of the young people in today’s society, it only shows that the future has so much potential to prosper with the leadership of the future generation. Thus, the City Government of Tagum, together with the National Line Agencies and Non-Government Organizations, will actively cultivate their talents and skills at an early age to prepare them in the real world so they may influence and create a movement with their passion to unite the community.
MARIA MILLEN URSAGA
Writer/CIO Tagum