Empowering Young Leaders Through Parliamentary Procedure

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

KALIBI, Aklan- What began as the 1st Kalibo Skills Contest in Parliamentary Procedure in December 2023 has grown into a continuing initiative to equip young leaders with the knowledge and confidence to lead effectively.

Spearheaded by Vedasto Z. Nabor III, JD, that inaugural contest demonstrated how essential parliamentary procedure is for student leaders. Recognizing the budget constraints and limited subsidies often faced by school programs, local stakeholders stepped up to ensure this vital training could continue and reach even more students.

That collective effort paid off during the 2nd Kalibo Seminar-Workshop on Parliamentary Procedure, held on August 22–23, 2026, at the 4th Floor Conference Hall, New Municipal Building, Kalibo, Aklan. Organized through a strong partnership with the Department of Education – Districts of Kalibo I and II under Dr. Allan T. Relloto, PID, and led by Sir Nabor, the two-day event drew widespread support. Key contributors included Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro, SB Member Matt Aaron Peren Guzman, the Movement of Gratitude, JJC Aklan, and various community organizations and local businesses.

The two-day activity brought together student leaders from 10 schools: Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades, Regional Science High School for Region VI, Wadeford School, Pook Integrated School, Saint Gabriel College, Aklan Catholic College, Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Infant Jesus Academy, Linabuan Norte National High School, and Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center.

Through dynamic lectures, group discussions, and practical drills, the students gained hands-on experience with parliamentary procedure. Beyond mastering motions, they learned how these rules promote fairness, accountability, mutual respect, and active participation in decision-making.

The seminar-workshop also laid the groundwork for the upcoming Kalibo Parliamentary Procedure Skills Competition, scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, where participating schools will put their newly developed skills into practice.

More than learning rules and motions, the initiative is an investment in the next generation of leaders—young people who are prepared to listen, speak with confidence, respect differing views, and lead with responsibility.

From one skills contest to a growing partnership, the Kalibo Parliamentary Procedure initiative continues to prove that when stakeholders come together to invest in young leaders, they also help build a stronger future.