Convergence of BARMM's IP Young Professionals

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Office of MP Froilyn T. Mendoza, United Nations Development Programme – UNDP under Peacebuilding Fund, and Kingdom of the Netherlands Join Forces to Empower IP Young Professionals from BARMM and South Central Mindanao.
 
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines - The Indigenous Young Professionals Convergence held from February 16th to 19th, 2024, at the New Dawn Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City was a remarkable event that celebrated the unique blend of culture and professionalism among Indigenous young professionals. 
 
Organized by the Office of MP Froilyn T. Mendoza and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Peacebuilding Fund, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the convergence brought together a diverse group of 60 IP young professionals from various areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, including the mainland BARMM, Sultan Kudarat, and the island provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Sulu.
 
The convergence commenced with an inspirational welcome message delivered by Arnie Laguey, BSN, LPT, MPA. Laguey's speech aligned with the rich cultural heritage and identity of the participants, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong connection to their roots while excelling in mainstream education and professional fields.
 
MP Mendoza, in her address, inspired the IP young professionals by highlighting their significance in the community. She stated, "Youth is something I never want to take for granted because I believe that the power of the youth generation is the consensus of the elders as our wealth for the entire IP community."
Edward I. Abelardo, PAO VI-Office of MP Mendoza, provided a comprehensive rationale for the activity, highlighting the significance of empowering Indigenous young professionals and the positive impact they can make in their respective communities.
 
Dr. Judith De Guzman, UNDP-Peacebuilding Program Manager, delivered an inspirational message centered around the concept of "7Peace" (Pamamaraan, Pagpapasa, Pasasalamat, Pag-uugat, Pagpapalalim, Pagtutulay, at Pagsasakapangyarihan). Her speech emphasized the importance of these principles in fostering peace, harmony, and empowerment among Indigenous young professionals.
 
The convergence featured a series of engaging workshops and activities designed to enhance the participants' knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities. The first workshop, "Getting to Know" (KΓ«sΓ«figilolo), aimed to foster connections and build a sense of community among the participants. This was followed by a needs assessment and goal-setting activity, allowing the young professionals to identify their individual and collective aspirations.
 
The planning workshop provided a platform for participants to develop strategic plans and initiatives that would contribute to their personal and professional growth, as well as the advancement of their communities. A presentation session allowed participants to showcase their ideas and receive valuable feedback from their peers.
 
Consensus building was an integral part of the convergence, with discussions focused on organizational and structure development, organization advocacy, and the selection process for officers and representatives. The convergence also included a privileged speech by the newly elected set of officers, highlighting their commitment to serving the Indigenous young professional community.
 
The event concluded with a vibrant socialization night, providing an opportunity for the participants to unwind, celebrate their achievements, and foster lasting connections. The night was filled with cultural performances, traditional music, and dances that showcased the rich heritage of the Indigenous communities represented.
 
The Indigenous Young Professionals Convergence was a testament to the collective efforts of the Office of MP Froilyn T. Mendoza, the UNDP, Peacebuilding Fund, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in empowering Indigenous young professionals. The convergence not only celebrated their cultural identity but also provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and strategic planning to drive positive change in their communities.
 
As the convergence ended, participants left with renewed inspiration, strengthened networks, and a shared commitment to advancing their professional journeys while staying rooted in their Indigenous heritage. The convergence served as a catalyst for empowering Indigenous young professionals, enabling them to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond.
 

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