In a significant stride toward inclusive and participatory urban governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII launched the Youth Consultation under its flagship Capacitating Urban Communities through Peace and Development (CUCPD) Program on May 29–30, 2025 in General Santos City — the pilot local government unit for this pioneering initiative.
Branded as “Panaghisgot: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Urban Communities,” the two-day consultation brought together Sangguniang Kabataan officials, student leaders from Mindanao State University – General Santos, and members of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) for a transformative series of dialogues and workshops. The goal: to confront real-world urban issues and co-create youth-led solutions that advance peace, development, and sustainability.
In her welcome address, DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping tomorrow’s cities, stating,
“This youth consultation is not just a forum — it is part of a national movement to make our cities more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable.”
Representing City Mayor Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao, City Administrator Shandee Llido-Pestano echoed this message, highlighting the indispensable role of young people in driving General Santos City's growth and resilience in the face of increasingly complex urban challenges.
With technical guidance from facilitators of MSU-Gensan, participants worked collaboratively to identify pressing issues affecting their communities — from public safety and environmental degradation to youth disengagement and limited civic spaces. Through root cause analysis and solution design, they crafted a comprehensive Problem-Solution Matrix and proposed innovative Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) anchored in the core values of peace and inclusive development.
One of the most impactful moments was the presentation of workshop outputs and personal youth commitments, where participants shared actionable strategies and pledged to champion the implementation of the proposed interventions in partnership with local authorities.
The CUCPD Program is DILG XII’s localized response to the growing call for sustainable urban transformation. It empowers local stakeholders to embed peace-building and inclusive development into planning and policy-making, especially in fast-growing urban centers like General Santos City.
In her closing message, DILG Gensan City Director Rilimin H. Sandoval lauded the vigor, insight, and purpose shown by the youth, affirming:
“This consultation is not the end — it is the beginning of a deeper and more meaningful youth engagement in building a progressive and peaceful General Santos City.”
As DILG XII continues to roll out the CUCPD Program in other urban hubs, Panaghisgot stands as a powerful reminder: when youth are given the platform, the guidance, and the trust — they do not just participate. They lead.
