Linte is an infamous Hiligaynon word that
has been used across Panay as a swear word! This started long time ago when
elders say “nalintian” whenever the lightning strikes a coconut tree. But for
the young leaders of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative,it is an
opportunity to strike the lightning that will awaken the potential of emerging
leaders in Panay and Guimaras Islands.
Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian
Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is U.S. government’s signature program to
strengthen leadership development and networking among the youth in Southeast
Asia. Today YSEALI Philippines is a community of 25,000 young people making a
difference in their communities.
In partnership with Boracay Foundation
Incorporated, about 50 young leaders around Panay gathered in Boracay Islandto attend
the launching of YSEALI Panay’s LintianayKwentuhan Series last April 11 at
Seawind Resort Boracay. This first session focused on helping them make
impactful youth-led projects in their communities and showcasing anti-plastic
pollution projects.
The topics that were discussed by the
speakers from the YSEALI community were: Common Mistakes in Community Projects
by ShernanGamol, Financing and Fundraising by Jarrah Brillantes, and Using
Storytelling and Social Media by Angeli Monique Siladan. This was followed by a
panel discussion which was actively participated by these youth leaders who
were very enthusiastic to bring home the new knowledge to their communities.
Two projects were also featured:
Anti-Plastic Program in Culasi, Antique and the Recycling Program of Balabag
Elementary School in Boracay Island. The participants were awed with the partnerships
and leadership exhibited to pursue the said projects.
The day ended with networking and
establishing partnerships among the participants and the YSEALI programs alumni.
The Lintianay sessions also aim to mentor and be an avenue for these young people
to collaborate.
Among the 50 leaders, 20 stayed to
participate at the YStart Focus Group Discussion on April 12 at Henann Regency
Resort& Spa Boracay. YStart is a platform for YSEALI members to promote and
crowdsource resources for their community projects.
Coordinator of the YSEALI Panay Hub,
Angelica Belarmino, ends this two-day event with these words:
“I hope to invite other young leaders in
Aklan especially Boracay Island to join us and continue the conversation beyond
these events. We are excited to see the enthusiasm of the young people here to
contribute in the betterment of their communities. Truly, we are never too
young to lead!”
Sign up as a YSEALI member to access
opportunities to participate in fellowships, seminars, and grants at www.yseali.state.gov
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