Seventy-eight city junior officials took their oath of office on Monday’s flag ceremony, as part of this year’s observance of Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week).
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. administered the oath-taking on the City Hall grounds, marking their assumption of positions in various city government offices assigned to them.
From August 12-16, they will render service in the offices of the city mayor, vice mayor, and councilors, acting as junior mayor, vice mayor, and councilors, respectively.
Compared to last year’s batch, which had only 50 junior councilors, 28 new officials were added to the roster this year, representing city department heads, national offices, and the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes.
Gilda Salvaña, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Children and Youth Welfare Division Head, told reporters on Monday that this year’s program highlighted the participation of tribal groups to promote wider representation and inclusivity.
She shared that this is the third edition of the city junior officials program, and the first year to include junior deputy mayors from the indigenous sector.
The activity promotes youth engagement in civic processes and good governance by immersing them in the operations of city officials.
“The youth need to learn about public service and enhance their basic knowledge of leadership and the protocols of being public servants,” she said.
The applicants went through a rigorous selection process, starting from sending in their applications, to panel interviews, and essay composition.
Apart from office duties, the officials also undergo skills training for effective governance, such as managing meetings, facilitating discussions, and decision-making processes, in their roles as future leaders. This training is provided by the Davao City Youth Development Office.
They will also conduct institutional visits to the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Cleanergy Park.
Other activities for Linggo ng Kabataan include Dabawenyouth Sinestorya on August 2-16, a Mental Health Forum on August 13, Project Pitching, a Dance Competition, Garbo sa Tribu, and Dabawenyouth Night on August 16.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte signed Proclamation No. 02 on August 8 of last year, declaring August 12, 2023, and every year thereafter as “Dabawenyouth” Day in line with Section 3 of Republic Act 11913, known as National Youth Day.
