“Invest in the youth,” mayor urges in first 100-days message

“It is about time that the youth should be developed as leaders of the city. They should never be called future leaders but instead they should now become leaders. Age should never be a factor in leadership.”

Mayor Benjamin Magalong made this clear in his second term’s first 100 days accomplishment report during flag-raising rites, Oct. 10, at City Hall.

“We will ensure the youth access to basic services, address education-industry gaps, raise access to academic financial aid, support entrepreneurship and innovation incubation, and most importantly, provide leadership training and youth empowerment,” he said.

The Mayor stressed that if there is anyone who can really institute change in the city of Baguio, these are the young people making it imperative that the city should invest in the youth.

“I declare that if there is anyone among the youth who emerges as a leader in the next three years, I as your Mayor, am willing to step aside and allow him (her) to run for election and hopefully win and lead the city,” he said.

The Mayor bared the city’s path in preventing urban decay with the formulation of its seven-point agenda like the protection, conservation and expansion of the city’s natural resources and land cover; including climate and disaster resilience.

The agenda also includes urban regeneration; youth empowerment; economic development and competitiveness; Smart City management; and good governance.

In his report, the Chief Executive also shared the accomplishments and ongoing undertakings of the city government’s different offices. – Gaby B. Keith