La Union to APYE Cambodia; Gov. Rafy Shares LU Youth Empowerment Story in International Stage, Signs Partnership with Urban Youth Academy
By: Camille R. Bumatay, PIO | Photos By: Asia Pacific Youth Exchange Organizers | Date: August 3, 2023
Carrying the cumulative efforts of the Provincial Government and the people in fostering a better La Union for the youth sector, Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David brought to international stage how the province expands opportunities and champions the role of the youth in building a better La Union as she served as a Keynote Speaker in the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange (APYE) High Level Forum on August 3, 2023 at Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
As the youngest and first lady Governor of La Union, Gov. Rafy joined the young leaders and professionals from private institutions, academia, governments, and multilateral and civil society organizations from all over the Asia-Pacific Region in a High-Level Forum that highlights how different sectors collectively work in ensuring that young people are in the forefront, both as priority and as champions, of recovery initiatives from the CoViD-19 Pandemic.
In her presentation, Gov. Rafy shared La Union’s youth programs and projects as well as its alignment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals proving how the Province of La Union has invested to provide better community and wider opportunities for the youth and the next generations. She specifically discussed youth programs in the different centers of the agenda including Health; Education; Economic Empowerment; Social Inclusion and Equity; Peace-Building and Security; Governance; Active Citizenship; Environment; and Global Mobility.
Among the highlights of the forum are Youth Empowerment; Sustainable Development; Social Entrepreneurship; Unity; and Volunteerism which all aligns to the call for #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan.
Gov Rafy also represented the Provincial Government of La Union in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Urban Youth Academy represented by Director Hyoungmin Kim as partners in bringing impactful and lasting changes in the Asia Pacific. Witnesses in the signing were Provincial Youth Development Officer Zyjazz de Guzman and APYE Manila, CEO Erika Joan Meñez.
“So many things have been accomplished, yet, we set our sights to a greater and better future for our youth. Indeed, I believe that governments, private sector, civil society organizations, and the youth should come together to achieve our goals… Today, I stand before all of you, of sound mind and body, and the proudest I have ever been, that I commit that La Union, Philippines, is a place to thrive and grow in for everyone, most especially the younger generations and those who follow them,” stated Gov. Rafy in her talk.
La Union youth leaders also participated in the APYE including Hon. Joevilyn Doctolero, SK Federation President of Municipality of Santo Tomas; Hon. Jeremy Garce, SK Federation President of Municipality of Naguilian; and Hon. John Jay Casuga, SK Chairperson of Brgy. Pias, City of San Fernando. Their participation in this esteemed program will not only benefit the individuals involved but to bring recognition to the province as a motivated and forward thinking kaprobinsian committed to advancing the cause of sustainable development and strengthening youth development. Their involvement will be prelude to the ongoing preparation for APYE Philippines in 2024 where about 10 aspiring international delegates will be granted full scholarship going to La Union.
With the opportunity to be a keynote speaker in the APYE, this did not only allow Gov. Rafy to showcase La Union’s best practices for the youth but also to open doors in international partnerships and opportunities that will benefit the youth of La Union who are active agents in achieving the vision for La Union to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.
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