With the theme, “EmerGENZ: Youth Rising for Safer, Resilient Communities,” thousands of youth from different schools and organizations in Camarines Sur participated in Bicol Dagyaw 2025, an open government town hall meeting hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur on October 27, 2025, at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex, Cadlan, Pili.
The term dagyaw, which means bayanihan, focuses on strengthening the partnership between the government and the community, giving voice to every sector, especially the youth. This year’s theme also speaks volumes on how the youth emerge as heroes in times of crisis, responders in moments of need, and advocates of preparedness and resilience in their own communities.
“We highlight the energy, passion, and innovation ng ating mga kabataan— the Generation Z in building communities that are not only safe and disaster-ready but also open, inclusive, and participatory. We recognize the vital role of youth in shaping the country’s democratic and climate-resilient future,” shared DILG Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo Escober Jr., CESO III.
RD Escober added, “Sa panahon ngayon, nakikita natin kung paano pinapatunayan ng ating mga kabataan na kaya rin nilang maging bahagi ng solusyon sa pamamagitan ng kanilang digital skills, fresh perspectives, at willingness to serve. Today’s event hopes to spark meaningful collaboration between LGUs and youth organizations, strengthen their participation in DRRM councils and local development planning, and amplify the role in shaping a climate-resilient Bicol region.”
During the event, CamSur EDMERO held a roadshow and caravan focusing on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR CCA), with discussions on the overview of RA 10121, common hazards in CamSur, and the basic responses applied by the PDRRMC. It also highlighted the four thematic areas of DRRM, namely prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery. Together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, a static display of rescue equipment was also showcased.
Governor Lray Villafuerte graced the event as the keynote speaker, highlighting the participation and involvement of youth in the various programs of the province, including the El Verde Youth for Climate Action, which boasted its achievement of planting over 50 million trees with the help of the youth, and targets to plant 100 million trees by 2034.
“Ang El Verde ay hindi lang pagtatanim ng puno— ito ay pangakong pangangalagaan ang ating kalikasan at kinabukasan. Your energy is the heartbeat of this program. Kayo ang magpapatuloy at magpapalago mula sa eco-friendly na sakahan, innovation hub, hanggang sa green jobs para sainyo mismo.”
Governor Villafuerte also urged the youth to take part in the Rinconada Wetlands Reserve and Green Embankment Program as volunteers, interns, or even as project leaders.
“Dalhin niyo ang inyong puso, yourskills sa content creation, sa data analysis. Share your voice. Be a model of sustainability, resilience, and unity sa inyong mga school, barangay, at [maging] sa social media.”
Among the participants of the event was 21-year-old Iredel Noscal, a student from Ateneo de Naga University, who expressed her delight. “It’s very refreshing to see events like this kasi naha-highlight yung youth participation sa sector ng disaster risk reduction and management kasi very relevant ngayon, especially that Bicol is a disaster-prone region. Maganda na ang [DILG] and local government ng CamSur, as well as the other municipalities and cities surrounding the province, are collaborating with the youth. Itong Dagyaw 2025 is a great stepping stone for us to have more activities like this!”
“[As a youth], dapat hindi lang yung mga local offices yung marunong mag-respond kundi tayo mismong mga kabataan para alam natin kung ano ang gagawin natin sa komunidad at paano tayo makakatulong sa iba nating kapwa,” added Noscal.
DILG Provincial Director Ray Caceres also reiterated the importance of raising the awareness and voice of the youth regarding current issues.
“Kang nagluwas si issue sa flood control na may mga sub-standard, non-existent or ghost, dakol ang nagsabay na mga kabataan sa rally. Sa hiling ko, gusto kang mga kabataan na ma-involve sa mga reporma, sa mga isyu na kinakaharap ngunyan kang probinsya o kang nasyon. Kaya dikit na pag-tap or pag-direct sainda sa tamang paagi kung paano sinda makakapag-participate. Mas magayon kung sa mga forum na ini, darahon ta ang youth, ang saindang manifestation of support sa mga programa kang gobyerno o kung ano man na reporma na sa hiling ninda dapat gibuhon kang gobyerno.”
Plenary sessions on the youth’s role as frontliners in local DRRM and LGU partners were discussed among the participants, allowing them to raise queries and engage in town hall forum for a more collaborative and inclusive participation with the government.
