04/09/2026
EMPOWERED TO LEAD, UNITED FOR EQUALITY: Youth Empowerment through Gender Awareness
Empowered youth become powerful instruments of change when they are equipped with knowledge, understanding, and the courage to stand for equality. With this vision, the Schools Division Office of Cotabato (SDO Cotabato) successfully conducted the Youth Empowerment through Gender Awareness: Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) for Learners and Teacher-Advisers on August 29–30, 2026, hosted by Dilangalen National High School.
The meaningful two-day gathering brought together student leaders from across SDO Cotabato and their dedicated teacher-advisers, creating a space where young leaders could learn, reflect, speak, and take action. More than just a training, the activity became a shared journey toward building safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive school communities.
At the heart of this meaningful initiative was Mr. Romelito G. Flores, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent, whose leadership and support continue to inspire programs that recognize the important role of young people in creating positive change. Under his leadership, SDO Cotabato continues to strengthen initiatives that empower learners not only as students, but also as responsible leaders, advocates, and voices of their generation.
Throughout the training, participants explored essential topics such as Basic Gender Concepts, Gender Stereotypes and Biases, Gender and Development (GAD) in Education, and Gender-Based Violence and Bullying Prevention. Through engaging activities, discussions, role-playing, synthesis, and reflection, the student leaders and their advisers were encouraged to challenge misconceptions and develop a deeper understanding of respect, fairness, and inclusion.
The program further strengthened the role of young people through sessions on Gender-Responsive Communication and Youth Leadership in Gender Advocacy, followed by an Action Planning Workshop and the Presentation of Action Plans. These activities gave the student leaders and their advisers the opportunity to transform their learning into concrete commitments and meaningful initiatives that they can bring back to their respective schools and communities.
As certificates were awarded and commitments were made, the gathering became a reminder that empowerment does not end when the program concludes. The student leaders of SDO Cotabato, together with their advisers, now carry with them a greater responsibility—to become advocates of gender awareness, champions of inclusion, and leaders who inspire others to create spaces where every individual is respected and valued.
Indeed, Youth Empowerment through Gender Awareness was more than a Gender Sensitivity Training—it was a call for the youth to lead with empathy, speak with respect, and act with purpose. With the leadership and support of Mr. Romelito G. Flores, CESO V, alongside committed teacher-advisers and empowered student leaders, the future of SDO Cotabato shines brighter through a generation ready to stand for equality, dignity, understanding, and meaningful change.
✍️ Morlan A. Leproso,TIII
DNHS SSLG Teacher-adviser