Celebrating youth excellence

In pursuit of transformative change to improve the quality of life of the youth, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) and the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PYAP) – Cavite, worked hand in hand in celebrating Linggo ng Kabataan at the Provincial Gymnasium, on September 4, 2023.

Bringing together around 100 Caviteño youth from the different cities and municipalities in the celebration, Mr. Aries Panganiban, Cavite Provincial Federation PYAP Focal Person, warmly welcomed the youth and hoped that they would enjoy the activity to solidify their bond and camaraderie. He also extended his appreciation to all involved in making the celebration possible.

Additionally, Hon. Romel Enriquez, 1st District Board Member and Committee Chairperson on Social Services, Family, Women, Children and Elderly, emphasized his unwavering dedication and commitment to help the youth, imparting “dalawang daang porsyento na suporta para sa ating mga kabataan.”

Each PYAP Cavite Chapter presented their best practices, showcasing their active participation in different endeavors.

The highlight of the event was the first-ever Mr. & Ms. PYAP 2023, a pageant that was carefully planned and organized to showcase the exceptional beauty, skills and intelligence of the young candidates. Six PYAP ambassadors and five PYAP ambassadresses vied for the title.

Mr. Angelo Salubong, MOVE member and Solo Parent and LGBTQIA+ Focal Person, Ms. Reena Panganiban, Crisis Intervention Unit Staff, and Ms. Jessie Rose Cruto, PCPC Focal Person, composed the esteemed board of judges.

After vigorous rounds of performances, Mr. Anton Gabriel Villaluz, from Maragondon and Ms. Russel Faye Raynera from the City of Dasmariñas were announced as the 2^nd runner-up; Mr. Daniel Amazona from the City of Dasmariñas and Anne Claire Abainza from Ternate secured the 1^st-runner up spot; and the candidates from the municipality of General Mariano Alvarez, Mr. Traven Jaim Villegas and Ms. Alliah Guillermo, were crowned as Mr. & Ms. PYAP 2023.

Aside from the major titles, awards were also presented to candidates who outstood in every round: Mr. Traven Jaim Villegas (GMA) and Ms. Zeth Cayas (Ternate) were chosen as Best in Creative Shirt; Mr. Traven Jaim Villegas (GMA) and Ms. Anne Claire Abainza (Imus) were awarded as Best in Creative Jeans; Mr. Daniel Amazona (Dasma) received the Best Formal Attire award; and Ms. Zeth Cayas received the Best Casual Attire.

Aside from the pageant, talented youth showcased their exceptional performances and abilities in the intermission numbers.

The Provincial Federation PYAP Cavite Officers led by its president, Mr. Jaymart Lordan, strived to empower the young individuals in the province and recognize their potential. They also expressed their utmost gratitude to the provincial government for their continuous support and dedication in uplifting the lives of Caviteño youth towards a promising future.