FIVE teams out of 14 national finalists in Ideas Positive come from the region of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Billed as the “country’s premier youth engagement program,” Ideas Positive, now on its ninth year, has helped about 400 youth leaders from all over the Philippines to implement youth-led community-based programs concerning various health issues in the country. Alfred Dicto, Program Lead for Ideas Positive, said, “This (is a) strong indication that (the) Bangsamoro youth are very proactive in helping the region achieve its full potential and this will only be possible if we have healthy communities where people are empowered to contribute in the overall development of the region.” Rex Alon, one of the finalists, said, “Bangsamoro youth empowerment programs through community development breeds new generations of leaders that listen to the people from the ground.” — Mohammad Tajallih Basman

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