BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Six youth organizations from the province of heroes and holies were formally accredited as UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines yesterday in University of Sto. Tomas, Manila City.
Five of these groups are from Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), namely: Balangay Bayani, English Language and Literature Advocates, College of Education Student Council, Samahan ng Nag-iisang Lahing Filipino, and Physical Science Society of BPSU.
The other accredited Bataan-based group is University of the Philippines-Tangway. They were among the 35 youth organizations from across the Philippines recognized during the 2015 International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO.
In 2014, the Mga Ka SocSci was the first organization from BPSU that was accredited by UNESCO. Now, there are 92 UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines. “Youth in communities create big impact in terms of developing the minds of the people, developing sectors. They are an inspiration to do something greater, something new,” Gerry Bricenio, chairman of the National Association of UNESCO Clubs on the Philippines Inc. (NAUCP), said.
According to NAUCP Vice President-internal Virgilio Dolina, they considered holding the annual assembly in Balanga City because of its robust support network in education as the Bataan capital envisions to be a university town. One of the clubs, Balangay Bayani, is among the youngest organizations accredited, having been formed in 2014 only.
With the goal of youth volunteerism toward nation building, student leadership and environmental protection, Balangay Bayani engaged thousands of students in Bataan in its climate change forums, Balangayan Camp, Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan fun run, and mangrove planting activities, among others.
Club adviser Joseph Pencil, also coordinator of National Service Training Program of BPSU-Main campus, said Balangay Bayani is now planning to extend its youth services in the 11 towns and one city of the province. “Each town will have its own Balangay leaders who will involve local youth, including out-of-school youth, in community activities,” said Pencil.
