A total of 65 Indigenous youth from six barangays in Zamboanga City came togethe...

A total of 65 Indigenous youth from six barangays in Zamboanga City came together for the IP Youth Convergence 2025, a three-day event held at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Retreat and Lay Formation Center in Barangay Mercedes. The convergence, which ran from October 3 to 5, aimed to reflect, reinforce, and recommit the participants’ roles in peacebuilding and community development. The event provided a platform for these youth to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and renew their commitment to fostering peace in their communities. The program kicked off with an opening ceremony led by Ms. Espie Hupida, Executive Director of ZABIDA, who encouraged participants to embrace their Indigenous identity and become active contributors to their communities. Workshops on topics like the “Culture of I in Peace” and “Harvesting Community Peace Initiatives” followed, where participants reflected on their past efforts in peacebuilding, created visual timelines, and discussed their community’s struggles and successes. A highlight of the event was the Solidarity Night, where participants showcased their cultural pride through performances ranging from dances to drama, poetry, and visual arts. The evening also featured a lively competition for the best attire and yells, celebrating the diversity and unity of the IP youth. The final day of the convergence focused on action planning and stakeholder commitments. The session encouraged participants to take what they learned back to their barangays and continue their advocacy for peace. The event concluded with a heartwarming graduation ceremony, where participants received certificates of appreciation, marking the end of the workshop but the beginning of their journey as peace champions in their communities.