December 14, 2009


Lipa City’s Joana Marie Dapat is the 2009 Batangas Youth Governor, counterpart of Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, as the province observed the “Linggo ng Kabataan” or Youth Week last Dec. 14-18, 2009.

A project of Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President, Board Member Melody Elaine Amante, Dapat and 47 other Batangueño youth leaders took the helm of managing the province’s affairs.  Santos Recto personally administered the oath-taking rite in ceremonies held at Monday’s flag-raising at the provincial auditorium.

Santos Recto, since her days as Lipa City mayor, has always supported youth leadership activities.  She believes it is vital for the next generation to have a feel of management responsibilities to underscore the vital role they play in the task of nation-building.

The 1991 Local Government Code mandates the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan throughout the country every second week of December.  For this year’s youth week, the theme is “Youth Meets Governance: Enhancing the Impact of Youth’s Leadership, Action and Competence.” - Vince Altar