The City Government of Davao, through the Davao City Youth Development Office (DCYDO), successfully held the Linggo ng Kabataan Culmination Activity on August 12, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang. The event was part of Youth IGNITE: DabawenYouth KasaDayawan 2025, in celebration of the International Youth Day and the Kadayawan Festival.
About 800 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders and members joined the event. With the theme “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond,” the program highlighted the talents, leadership, and community involvement of the Dabawenyo youth.
SK Federation President and City Councilor Kristine Abdul Mercado delivered the welcome message, commending the youth for their active participation in various events.
“Salamat sa inyong partisipasyon ug suporta — kamo ang tinuod nga kusog sa Dakbayan sa Davao (Thank you for your participation and support, you are the true strength of Davao City),” she said.
Mercado encouraged the youth to transform the power of good nutrition, a healthy environment, and opportunities into making good choices that shape lives. She also urged everyone, especially youth leaders, to act with purpose while remaining grounded in their values.
One of the day’s main highlights was the awarding of winners in different competitions—Poster Making, Essay Writing, Extemporaneous Speech, Photojournalism, and Short Film Making, which featured stories of out-of-school youth—as well as the highly anticipated PowerDance contest. Each category showcased the artistry, intellect, and teamwork of young Dabawenyos. The winners received plaques of recognition and cash prizes.
The nominees for Most Outstanding Youth Leader, Most Outstanding Project Implemented, and Most Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan were also presented during the event.
Davao City Junior Officials, who will perform duties in the executive and legislative branches mirroring the officials they represent, were also introduced. They will serve from August 4, 2025, to August 6, 2026, and are expected to craft policies for the benefit of the city’s youth by the end of their tenure.
In an interview with Madayaw, DCYDO Division Chief Emmanuel N. Crismas shared that this year’s culmination—mandated under Republic Act 10742—was bigger than last year’s, with more activities conducted. He said the weeklong contests and events, held from August 4 to 12, were all orderly and peaceful with the support of various Davao City offices.
Next month, the DCYDO will organize Peace Camps, with the first batch composed of Junior City Officials.
Crismas added that part of their office’s task is to coordinate with partner offices to create a profile of Davao City’s youth. So far, they have documented the profiles of around 32,182 youth across the city, which will help them design strengthened and targeted programs. CIO
