Youth Unite for Drug-Free Communities at IDADAIT 2026 Youth Summit
ILOILO CITY, June 29, 2026 – More than 100 youth leaders from across the Province of Iloilo gathered to champion drug awareness, prevention, and youth-led action during the “Diskusyon kag Aksyon: A Youth-Centric Summit on Drug Awareness and Prevention” held at Casa Real de Iloilo in celebration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT).
Organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI in partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo and the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) Iloilo, the two-day summit served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, capacity building, and collaborative action among the region’s young leaders.
Anchored on this year’s global theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the summit brought together Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) City and Municipal Federation officials, student council representatives from various higher education institutions, and members of youth organizations and youth-serving organizations to deepen their understanding of the evolving drug problem and explore innovative, evidence-based strategies for prevention.
The activity highlighted the vital role of young people as partners in building resilient, informed, and drug-free communities by equipping them with knowledge, practical insights, and leadership skills necessary to advance preventive education and community-based anti-drug initiatives.
In his message, DILG Region VI Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero emphasized that the summit was more than a venue for learning—it was an opportunity for young leaders to listen, engage with experts, and transform knowledge into meaningful action.
“I encourage each of you to be creative, collaborative, and forward-looking. Ask yourselves: Ano ang maaari nating gawin nang mas mahusay? Ano ang kailangan nating baguhin? Ano ang mga bagong paraan upang mas maprotektahan ang inyong mga kapwa kabataan?” said RD Ingeniero.
Further addressing the youth participants, RD Ingeniero stressed that lasting change should be driven by young people themselves, particularly through the leadership of the SK, student councils, and youth organizations.
“Nais namin na galing mismo sa mga kabataan, lalo na ang mga SK, student councils, and youth organizations, ang pagbabago na kailangan sa kanilang komunidad. We are confident that the discussions we started today will not end on mere discussions—ito ay magbubungang tunay na pagkilos?” RD Ingeniero added.
Likewise, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. represented by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Bañas, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s strong partnership with the DILG Region VI in empowering young people to become advocates of drug prevention and community development.
The summit underscored the shared commitment of the DILG Region VI, the Provincial Government of Iloilo, and youth stakeholders to cultivate informed, empowered, and proactive young leaders who will champion safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.
As the 2026 IDADAIT celebration concludes, the initiative is expected to leave participants not only with enhanced knowledge and a deeper understanding of substance abuse prevention but also with a renewed commitment to lead community-based efforts against illegal drugs. By empowering the youth to become advocates of prevention and positive change, the summit reinforces the collective resolve to build safer and more resilient communities.
