The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), through the Pag-asa Youth Associations of the Philippines (PYAP) – NCR, demonstrated to the youth in Metro Manila what to do during disasters and calamities, during the successful celebration of PYAP Day 2015 which carried the theme, “Kabataang Nangangalinga sa Kalikasan, Handa, Tumutugon sa Anumang Sakuna,” held at Universidad de Manila on August 21, 2015.

During the parade, the participating local government units displayed their creative banners made from the recycled materials to show their support in taking care of the environment which would prevent possible disasters.

“Bilang mga kabataan, mayroon tayong mahalagang papel na ginagampanan sa ating lipunan. Tayo ay maging aktibo sa anumang gawain at laging maging handa sa anumang sakuna.” DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan muttered.

Moreover, Bienvenido Barbosa, Social Welfare Officer III of DSWD-NCR, conducted a short earthquake drill among the participants and discussed how to properly execute the “dock, cover and hold” during this type of disaster.

Meanwhile, one of the highlights of the said activity is the annual search for Mr. and Ms. PYAP Ambassador/ Ambassadress 2015. Candidates from the cities of Manila, Marikina, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Las Piñas and Valenzuela competed for the coveted title.

They have showcased their talents in dancing, singing, drawing and acting. Moreover, candidates proudly wore their national costume which is also made in resourceful materials, then, the top three advances for the Question and Answer portion.

At the end of the pageant, both candidates from Pasig City were hailed as Mr. and Ms. PYAP Ambassador/ Ambassadress 2015. Further, Mr. PYAP Malabon and Ms. PYAP Marikina were the 1^st runner up, while Mr. PYAP Marikina and Ms. PYAP Malabon were the 2^nd runner up.

In the banner making contest, Pasig won the 1^st place while Marikina and Manila were the 2^nd and 3^rd place respectively. In the poster making, representative from Las Pinas bagged the 1^st place.

The Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines Incorporation is a duly constituted barangay based organization of the out-of-school youth between 15 to 24 years old who are clienteles of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It serves as strategy that provides forum to discuss youth issues and concerns related to their projects and come up with solution addressed to both youth and other system involved in program, planning and implementation. ###