Linggo ng Kabataan 2026: Aklan Youth Launch Province-Wide Movement for Food Security and Community Service

KALIBO. Aklan- What began as a simple idea has grown into a province-wide movement, as youth leaders, local government units, and communities across Aklan united today for a simultaneous set of activities marking this year’s Linggo ng Kabataan celebration.
Eight municipalities spanning the First and Second Legislative Districts came together for three concurrent initiatives: the Community Food Pantry, 4H Club Orientation, and the Innovative Food Challenge—proving that collective action between young people, government bodies, and residents creates lasting, meaningful change.
Participants prepared nutritious, creative dishes using local ingredients, distributed food packs to vulnerable households, and learned about sustainable agriculture through seedling distribution and 4H Club information sessions. Every town that took part embodied the core values of volunteerism, cooperation, and service to the community.
Participating Municipalities
First District
Balete, Madalag, Banga, Kalibo, Altavas, Batan, Tangalan, Numancia, Lezo, Malinao
Second District
Malay, Nabas, Ibajay, Makato, Tangalan, Numancia, Lezo, Malinao
Municipalities leading the full scope of Project GROW—including the Community Food Pantry, orientation, and seedling distribution—are Altavas, Batan, Tangalan, Numancia, Lezo, and Malinao.
Honoring Contributions and Partnerships
The event organizers expressed deep gratitude to all stakeholders for advancing three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Special recognition was given to the distinguished panel of judges who lent their expertise to the Innovative Food Challenge:
Dr. Lady Marie Luces-Oczon – Lifestyle Medicine Doctor, Provincial Health Office
Juvi Trieste – Provincial 4H Club Adviser, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
Charlyn Masangcay – Youth Secretariat, Provincial Youth Development Office; Purchasing Officer, JESS SLP Association
Ma. Andrea T. Almero – Agriculturist II, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
Janica Anne Dela Peña – Provincial Youth Development Officer
Rosa Mae Constantino – Adviser, Youth Entrepreneurs Startup (YES)
Organizers also extended their thanks to Local Youth Development Offices, Municipal Agriculture Offices, Sangguniang Kabataan Federations, volunteers, and all partners behind the initiative.
“The youth are not just the future—they are active partners in building a healthier, more resilient, and food-secure Aklan,” event representatives said. “This is only the beginning. Together, we continue to Grow. Nourish. Empower.”