The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), in coordination with 401st Brigade Philippine Army and Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY) INC. -Agusan del Sur Chapter, spearheaded a three-day Youth Leadership Summit on September 19–21, 2025, carrying the theme “Hope in Action, Progress in Motion: Accelerating Change.”The summit gathered children in conflict with the law (CICLs) under the care of RRCY to participate in sessions aimed at leadership development, rehabilitation, and personal growth. At present, the center is rehabilitating 76 CICLs.
Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commander of the 401st Brigade, formally opened the event with the confirmation of participants and declaration of the summit’s commencement.
Guest of Honor and Speaker Jessie Catherine B. Aranas emphasized the importance of empowering young people to embrace second chances and rebuild their futures. Resource speakers included Social Welfare Officer II Mark Louie C. Gaputan, who discussed the Rights of the Child, and Dr. Kevin L. Buron, who tackled Mental Health Awareness, DILG Agusan del Sur Provincial Director Arleen Ann R. Sanchez with the topic on Active Citizenship: Youth Participation in Governance, and RP- PFC Regyn T. Plaza (INF) PA talked about Safe Spaces Act: Anti Bastos Law.
The activity reflects RRCY’s continuing commitment to provide hope and opportunities for transformation, highlighting the belief that every young person has the capacity to create meaningful change in their lives and communities.
