26/08/2026
𝐋𝐍𝐊 𝐙𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝘈 𝘊𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘉𝘙𝘈𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕 𝘖𝘍 𝘗𝘜𝘙𝘗𝘖𝘚𝘌, 𝘗𝘈𝘙𝘛𝘕𝘌𝘙𝘚𝘏𝘐𝘗, 𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘠𝘖𝘜𝘛𝘏
Last August 22, Linggo ng Kabataan (LNK) Zanorte 2026 reminded us of something simple but powerful: when young people are given the space to participate, they do not simply show up—they step forward, speak up, and lead.
From the Youth Unity Parade, where our young people from different cities and municipalities walked together, to the different activities throughout the day, we witnessed that unity does not mean being the same. It means choosing to move in the same direction despite our differences.
The celebration was made possible through the collective efforts of our partners. We thank the TMO Dipolog and Philippine National Police (PNP) for ensuring the safety of our participants, and the ZNNHS Main Estaka Band for leading the parade with energy and pride. We are also grateful to the ZNNHS Turno SPA Chorale for opening the program with the Prayer and National Anthem.
Our youth organizations reminded us that leadership takes many forms. Through the participation of ICAN Young People Organization, Red Cross Youth Zamboanga del Norte, United Youth Movement, Uzad Ka Zampen, SSCSP, USEI, Dipolog City Eco Club, Youth in Good Governance, and other youth groups, we saw that meaningful change begins when young people choose to care about something bigger than themselves.
The presence of the YORP Onsite Registration Booth and DICT eGovPH Booth also reminded us that opportunities become meaningful when young people know where to find them and are given access to them. We thank the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for being part of this effort.
We likewise extend our appreciation to the Management Information Systems Office (MISO) of the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte and DICT for providing connectivity and technical assistance, helping make our digital activities possible, including the LNK Quiz Bee via Kahoot! Live.
We were honored by the presence of Atty. James Ceasar A. Ventura, Chief of the Regional Youth Development Division of the National Youth Commission, Ms. Pauline Barcia of the SK Secretariat, NYC, and Representative Irene “Ai” Labadlabad of the Second District, whose presence showed that investing in the youth is a responsibility shared across generations.
Our gratitude also goes to LTC Jessie Bergonia, Ms. Maria Theresa Paquibot, Ms. Diana Acaylar, and the 97th Infantry Battalion Band for sharing their messages and inspiring our young participants.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful lessons came from the impromptu Mr. and Ms. LNK Zanorte 2026 and LNK Quiz Bee. There was little time to prepare. There was no certainty about what would come next. Yet our young people stepped forward.
And that is leadership.
Leadership is not always about being fully prepared. Sometimes, it is having the courage to stand when the opportunity comes, to think when the pressure is high, and to trust yourself enough to try.
In life, we will not always have time to prepare for every challenge. What matters is that we develop the courage, character, knowledge, and presence of mind to face whatever comes our way.
We are deeply grateful to our Technical Working Group, United Youth Movement (UYM) Dipolog, MISO, Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Youth Development Office, participating LGUs, youth organizations, government agencies, volunteers, and partners who made this celebration possible.
We also recognize the valuable partnership of our NGO partners, particularly ChildFund and LEAP by ALTEC, whose support continues to help create meaningful spaces and opportunities for young people.
LNK Zanorte 2026 was not simply about an event, a parade, a competition, or a celebration.
It was about reminding our young people that they have a place at the table, a voice in their communities, and a role in shaping the future.
May we continue to build a province where young people are not only invited to participate, but are trusted to lead; where their ideas are heard, their talents are nurtured, and their dreams are given opportunities to become reality.
Because the greatest investment we can make in the future is to believe in the young people who are already building it today.
Kuyog Ta sa Pagpalambo sa Atong Kabatan-onan sa Zamboanga del Norte!
