One of only 100 youth leaders nationwide, JV Tentativa, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages from West Visayas State University (WVSU), participated in the “POWER WITH YOUth: 2025 Champions for Peace Training on Resilience and Social Cohesion” held August 8–10, 2025, in Zamboanga City.
The three-day program was organized by the Kofi Annan Foundation and KRIS for Peace, in partnership with the Temasek Foundation, Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance, and the Diana Koh Fund. It brought together youth leaders from across Southeast Asia to address pressing social and environmental challenges through collaboration, dialogue, and action.
Participants joined immersion activities, visiting cultural and community hubs including the Zamboanga Museum, Kids Who Farm, and the Yakan Village to gain a deeper understanding of local heritage and community-driven initiatives.
The program focused on strengthening youth-led peacebuilding initiatives, promoting intercultural understanding, advocating for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing regional collaboration, and building leadership capacity.
“This was more than just a training—it was a life-changing experience,” Tentativa said. “Meeting passionate youth leaders from different regions reminded me that peacebuilding is not just an idea, but an active choice we make every day. No matter your religion, advocacy, roots, or region, these are never a hindrance to promoting peace and creating a movement.”
Tentativa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Western Visayas and WVSU, vowing to apply the lessons learned to foster a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future in their community.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
