02/06/2026
“𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦, 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦: 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲”
MAKILALA, North Cotabato – The 39th Infantry "Smash'em" Battalion, led by LTC HECTOR A ESTOLAS INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, through Charlie "Conquerors" Company led by 1LT LESTER S DEPOT (INF) PA, Commanding Officer, in collaboration with the Youth for Peace Movement (YFPM) Davao del Sur headed by Ms. Abigail Baysac and the Local Government Unit of Columbio led by Hon. Amihr M. Musali, Municipal Mayor, successfully conducted the 3-Day Columbio Youth Leadership Summit 2026 from May 29 to 31, 2026, at Columbio National High School, Brgy. Poblacion, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
The summit gathered 87 youth participants from various barangays of Columbio, providing them with a platform to develop leadership skills, strengthen camaraderie, and promote active participation in community-building initiatives.
Throughout the three-day activity, participants engaged in a series of fun-filled and interactive activities designed to boost self-confidence, enhance teamwork, cultivate discipline, and develop leadership potential. Various lectures, workshops, team-building exercises, and leadership challenges encouraged the youth to become responsible, empowered, and productive members of society. Selected men and women of the 39th Infantry Battalion, also served as mentors and facilitators and were fondly referred to as “Ate” and “Kuya” by the participants, actively guided and supported the youth throughout the activity, fostering a positive learning environment and strengthening their connection with the community.
During the closing program, LTC ESTOLAS conveyed his message of support and encouragement to the participants, emphasizing the vital role of the youth in building peaceful, resilient, and progressive communities. He challenged the young leaders to apply the lessons they learned during the summit and become positive influences in their respective barangays.
"Leadership is not about authority or position; it is about service, integrity, and the willingness to make a difference. As future leaders, you have the power to inspire change, promote unity, and contribute to the development of your communities. Continue to dream big, lead with purpose, and be instruments of peace wherever you go," LTC ESTOLAS said.
As the summit concluded, participants left inspired and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills that will help them become catalysts of positive change within their respective communities.
The successful conduct of the Youth Leadership Summit stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the 39th Infantry Battalion, local government units, and youth organizations in nurturing the next generation of leaders. It reflects their continuing commitment to empowering the youth through leadership development programs that foster unity, resilience, and a culture of peace, while emphasizing the vital role of young leaders in advancing lasting peace and sustainable development and shaping a peaceful and progressive future for their communities.
