Resilient, Engaged, and Peaceful Future: YES INSPIRE Youth program launched

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Officials from the Quezon Provincial Government, Southern Luzon State University, and Southern Luzon Command hold sig...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Officials from the Quezon Provincial Government, Southern Luzon State University, and Southern Luzon Command hold signed copies of the Memorandum of Agreement during the MOA signing ceremony at the Capitol Building in Lucena City on February 9, marking the formal launch of the YES INSPIRE youth empowerment program. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Seeking to shape a new generation of disciplined, values-driven leaders, the Quezon Provincial Government launched a provincewide youth initiative anchored on civic awareness and responsible participation. The program positions youth engagement as a central pillar of peacebuilding and long-term development in the province.

Led by Governor Angelina Tan, the Quezon Provincial Government formally launched the YES INSPIRE youth program following the MOA signing on February 9 at the Capitol Building in Lucena City. The initiative establishes a multi-sector partnership aimed at strengthening youth leadership, civic awareness, and values formation across the province.



The launch followed the program’s approval by the Provincial Board on February 2, which cleared the way for its formal rollout and inter-agency implementation. Earlier board deliberations outlined the scope, coverage, and policy direction of the initiative to ensure alignment with existing provincial youth programs.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the provincial government, Southern Luzon State University, and the Southern Luzon Command, creating a formal framework for cooperation in implementing the initiative. The partnership defines shared roles in program delivery, coordination, and support for youth-focused activities across the province.

YES INSPIRE engages students through structured school- and community-based activities designed to promote discipline, resilience, and responsible citizenship. The program seeks to guide young people in understanding civic roles, addressing social issues, and making informed decisions grounded in positive values.

Discussions on the scope and direction of the initiative were taken up during the Provincial Board’s 30th Regular Session prior to its formal launch. These deliberations shaped the program’s implementation framework and aligned it with the province’s long-term youth development agenda.

During the session, Col. Joel R. Jonson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines outlined the goals and coverage of YES INSPIRE. He said the program will initially be implemented in colleges and universities as part of broader youth engagement efforts.

“Ang layunin ng YES INSPIRE ay bigyan ng tamang kaalaman at kamalayan ang mga kabataan upang hindi sila maligaw sa maling impluwensiya. Mahalaga na ang impormasyon ay malinaw, tapat, at nakabatay sa tamang pagpapahalaga.” Jonson said.

Jonson stressed that youth participation under the program should remain constructive and grounded in lawful democratic processes. He said understanding civic roles allows students to express their views and advocacies without resorting to violence or unlawful actions.

“Mahalaga na maunawaan ng mga estudyante ang kanilang papel sa lipunan at ang mga lehitimong paraan upang ipahayag ang kanilang adhikain. Hindi kailangang gumamit ng karahasan o panlilinlang upang marinig ang kanilang boses.” he added.

Meanwhile, SK Federation President and Ex-Officio Board Member Jackelyn Delimos said the initiative emphasizes values formation and leadership development among the youth. She said the program aims to prepare young people for active participation in community affairs and public service.

“This program is not just about activities but about shaping values and leadership among our youth. Through this program, we want to build a generation of responsible and engaged leaders.” Delimos said.

Delimos also underscored the role of young people in sustaining peace and long-term development in the province. She said progress in communities depends on active youth participation and shared responsibility among government, institutions, and the public.

“Sa YES INSPIRE, layunin naming ihanda ang kabataan upang maging aktibong katuwang sa kaunlaran ng lalawigan. Naniniwala kami na ang kabataan ay mahalagang katuwang sa pangmatagalang pag-unlad.” she added.

An oath-taking ceremony for newly appointed YES INSPIRE officers was held alongside the MOA signing, formally installing the program’s initial leadership. The officers are expected to spearhead implementation and coordinate youth-focused activities across Quezon’s schools and communities.

The program will begin with a pilot phase in a state university this February before expanding to other schools, communities, and out-of-school youth. YES INSPIRE is a continuing, multi-sector program that complements existing youth initiatives and supports long-term peace and development in Quezon Province.