General Santos City — With the vibrant spirit of hope and solidarity, over 500 in-school and out-of-school youth gathered at the Mindanao State University–General Santos City Campus (MSU-GSC) on September 12, 2025, for the GenPeace Champyon 2025: Gensan’s Youth, Championing Peace in Every Step—a day-long peace caravan designed to cultivate young peacebuilders and empower them as advocates of progress.
The event, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII in partnership with the Local Government Unit of General Santos City, MSU-Gensan, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Gensan, opened with messages that set the tone for the youth-centered celebration.
Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, Regional Director of DILG XII, underscored the Department’s unwavering support for inclusive governance and peacebuilding.
“This ceremonial opening is a call to action. It represents our unified vision of empowering communities through leadership, civic engagement, and peacebuilding,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, Chancellor of MSU-Gensan, inspired the youth to take their role as peace champions beyond the day’s activities.
“I urge you to carry forward this energy beyond today. Let us stand together, proving that Mindanao, once labeled as the land of conflict, can be the land where peace is nurtured and lived through every youth who chooses to act with courage and integrity. May we remain united in building a Philippines anchored in peace, justice, and truth,” he declared.
The program featured Kwentong Kapayapaan: Peace Talk Series, interactive games, and the Creative Corner Competition (poster-making, spoken word poetry, and TikTok/vlog challenge), fostering creative expressions of peace.
In the afternoon, participants took part in breakout workshop sessions that tackled critical youth concerns, including:
- Peacebuilding 101 (MSU Peacebuilding Faculty)
- Youth in Conflict Resolution (Mahintana Foundation, Inc.)
- Digital Peace Advocacy (PIA XII and DICT XII)
- Peace through Productivity: Youth Access to Jobs, Entrepreneurial and Livelihood Opportunities (DTI XII, DOLE XII, TESDA XII)
- Mental Health and Peace of Mind (DOH XII–CHD DARTC)
Alongside these sessions, various partner agencies and organizations offered free public services such as healthcare and dental checkups, national ID registration, scholarship assistance, legal services, employment opportunities, and mental health consultations. Among the agencies present were the City Health Office, DOLE, DICT, PhilSys, Public Attorney’s Office, and more.
The event will culminate with cultural performances, the announcement of winners from the creative competitions, and the signing of the Youth Peace Covenant, a symbolic pledge that unites the youth of General Santos City in their shared mission to promote peace, inclusivity, and solidarity. This covenant serves not only as a declaration of intent but also as a call for accountability, ensuring that the lessons learned during the caravan are translated into meaningful actions within schools, communities, and local governance platforms.
Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas Campaign of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., GenPeace Champyon 2025 reflects the administration’s thrust of building a nation grounded in unity, peace, and resilience. By empowering the youth as catalysts of transformation, the event embodies the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas, where every citizen,
especially the young generation, is called to take part in nation-building and to pursue progress that is inclusive and enduring.
Ultimately, GenPeace Champyon 2025 goes beyond being a one-day caravan. It is a living movement that strengthens the government’s peace and development efforts in Region XII, fostering a new generation of leaders ready to confront challenges with unity, compassion, and innovation. With the energy of the youth, the support of government institutions, and the dedication of civic partners, the event amplifies a clear message: in a Bagong Pilipinas, peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the active presence of engaged and empowered youth shaping a future of justice, progress, and hope.
