Sipalay City Youth Development Office

01/09/2026

30/08/2026

DAY 1 | BATTLE OF BOTS 2026 🤖

Day 1 of the 6th Battle of Bots: Southern Robotics Hackathon and Competition kicked off with creativity, strategy, and a whole lot of tech-driven action!

Young innovators from across Negros Occidental took on the Zero-Waste Mission Challenge Hackathon, Line-Tracing Hackathon, and Sumobot, putting their programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork to the test.

From navigating lines to battling it out in the arena, Day 1 proved that the future of innovation is already taking shape—one robot at a time. 🤖⚙️

29/08/2026

29/08/2026

SIPALAY HOSTS 6TH BATTLE OF BOTS, BRINGING YOUNG INNOVATORS TOGETHER FOR SOUTHERN ROBOTICS HACKATHON

The City of Sipalay once again takes center stage in youth innovation and technology as it hosts the 6th Battle of Bots: Southern Robotics Hackathon and Competition from August 29 to 31, 2026 at the Sipalay City Gymnasium.

The three-day robotics competition brings together young innovators from different parts of Negros Occidental, providing them with an avenue to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, technological knowledge, and ability to work collaboratively in designing and programming robotic solutions.

The activity is made possible through the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) of the Province of Negros Occidental, led by Avelyn A. Marañon, DPA, Assistant Department Head, in partnership with the City Government of Sipalay, through the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) and the Executive Programs Action Unit (EPAU), and the Schools Division Office of Sipalay City.

This year’s Battle of Bots marks the third robotics event held in Sipalay City, further strengthening the city’s commitment to creating spaces where young people can explore technology, innovation, and emerging fields of learning.

A total of 15 teams from various localities across Negros Occidental are participating in the competition. In the Elementary Division, four participating areas are represented by Isabela, Sipalay, Hinigaran, and Himamaylan.

Meanwhile, the High School Division brings together participants from Isabela, Sipalay, Hinigaran, Himamaylan, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Ilog, Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Candoni, and Binalbagan.
Beyond the competition itself, the Battle of Bots serves as a platform for young learners to transform ideas into working solutions—demonstrating that innovation is not confined to laboratories or technology hubs, but can begin in classrooms, communities, and the imagination of young people.

As Sipalay continues to welcome initiatives that nurture science, technology, creativity, and youth development, the city remains committed to building an environment where young minds are encouraged not only to learn about technology, but to create, experiment, solve problems, and imagine what is possible.

27/08/2026

Sipalaynon Punlaan School Scholars Recharge Through a Meaningful Mental Health Break

Recognizing that meaningful scholarship goes beyond academic support, the City Government of Sipalay provided its Sipalaynon Punlaan School Scholars with a dedicated Mental Health Break at the Linang Center in San Juan City—creating a safe and nurturing space for them to pause, reconnect, and reflect amid the demands of academic life.

The activity acknowledged the unique pressures that come with pursuing education away from home, balancing academic responsibilities, and preparing for future careers. More than a simple break from routine, the session encouraged scholars to slow down, strengthen their connections with one another, and become more intentional about caring for their own well-being.

Facilitated by Scholarships Coordinator Learn Flores, RPm, the session featured structured activities and meaningful conversations anchored on the scholars’ current experiences and needs. It included interactive group dynamics, guided reflection and discussion, and practical mental health strategies that the scholars can carry into their everyday lives.

Through open conversations and shared experiences, the scholars were reminded that seeking support, taking necessary pauses, and caring for one’s mental and emotional well-being are not signs of weakness, but essential parts of growth and resilience.

07/08/2026

SIPALAYNON SK OFFICIALS COMPLETE BOOKKEEPING TRAINING

A total of 37 Sipalaynon Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials have successfully completed a 16-hour online Bookkeeping Course supported by the City Government of Sipalay through the Sustainable Gains through Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship (Sustainable GEEE) Program, led by City Mayor Maria Gina M. Lizares.

The training was conducted in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Mary Grace International Education Inc., with the participants completing the competency requirements for “Journalize Transactions Leading to Bookkeeping NC III.”

Upon successfully fulfilling the requirements, the participants received their certificates of completion, marking another milestone in their continuing professional and leadership development.

The initiative forms part of the City Government of Sipalay’s commitment to equipping young leaders with practical and relevant skills that can strengthen their capacity to serve their communities, particularly in promoting responsible, organized, and accountable financial management in the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Through Sustainable GEEE, the City Government continues to create opportunities for Sipalaynon youth to gain knowledge, build competencies, and prepare themselves for greater responsibilities in their communities and beyond.

Investing in skills. Empowering young leaders. Building a more capable Sipalay.

07/08/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Learn D. Flores, a youth leader from Sipalay City and Executive Programs Action Unit (EPAU) and Local Youth Development Office staff member of the City Government of Sipalay, proudly represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Youth Summit 2026, held on August 5–6, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC, Pasay City.

Bringing together youth delegates from across Southeast Asia, the summit centered on the theme, "Digital Resilience and the Responsible Use of New Technologies," while advancing the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship theme, "Navigating Our Future Together." The two-day gathering served as a platform for policy dialogue, cross-cultural collaboration, and youth-driven solutions to the region's most pressing digital and social challenges.

Throughout the summit, Flores participated in policy discussions, collaborative workshops, and intercultural exchanges, contributing insights on youth mental health, digital resilience, inclusive governance, and meaningful youth participation. Together with fellow delegates from across ASEAN, he helped formulate recommendations that seek to strengthen regional cooperation in building a digitally resilient and future-ready generation.

A passionate advocate for youth development and public service, Flores graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of St. La Salle. He is a Registered Psychometrician, a Certified Human Resource Associate (CHRA), and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology major in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Silliman University. Beyond academia, he has been actively involved in youth leadership, strategic communications, and local governance, serving in various capacities under the City Government of Sipalay while championing initiatives on youth empowerment, mental health, education, and sustainable community development.

His participation reflects the City Government of Sipalay's steadfast commitment, under the leadership of Mayor Maria Gina M. Lizares, to investing in young leaders and creating opportunities for Sipalaynons to engage in national and international platforms where they can represent their community and contribute to regional development.

03/08/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The City Government of Sipalay proudly congratulates Learn D. Flores for being selected as one of the Philippine Youth Delegates to the ASEAN Youth Summit 2026 on Digital Resilience and Responsible Use of New Technologies, happening on August 5–6, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

Organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Youth Commission (NYC), the summit brings together outstanding young leaders from across ASEAN to strengthen digital resilience, promote responsible innovation, and foster regional collaboration.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of St. La Salle, Registered Psychometrician, and Outstanding Psychology Student of Negros Occidental, Flores continues to champion youth leadership and public service through his work with the City Government of Sipalay.

His selection is a testament to the excellence and leadership of Sipalaynon youth on the regional stage. The City Government of Sipalay wishes him success as he proudly represents both the Philippines and Sipalay City at the ASEAN Youth Summit 2026.

28/07/2026

Sipalay City Forms New PYAP Federation, Reinforcing Youth Leadership Across Barangays

The Sipalay City Youth Development Office successfully conducted the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) Orientation and Federation Election at the Sipalay City Learning Hub in Barangay Mambaroto, bringing together out-of-school youth representatives from the city's barangays in a shared commitment to leadership, service, and community development.

The activity began with an orientation designed to deepen the participants' understanding of PYAP's vision, mission, organizational structure, and the vital roles and responsibilities of youth leaders in promoting meaningful participation within their respective communities. Through the session, participants were encouraged to become active advocates of youth empowerment and catalysts for positive change in their barangays.

Following the orientation, the newly designated Barangay PYAP Presidents convened for the PYAP Sipalay Federation Election, where they exercised the principles of democracy by electing the new set of federation officers who will lead the organization in advancing youth-centered initiatives across the city.

Elected as the PYAP Sipalay Federation Officers are:
President: Christine Charise Bayot Barbasa (Barangay 4)
Vice President: Dongie Andrada Pacheco (Cabadiangan)
Secretary: Ashley Maguad (Camindangan)
Treasurer: Katrina Gurazem Galavo (Barangay 5)
Auditor: Ellouise Reyes Montalvo (Nauhang)
Public Relations Officer: Al Mana-ay Catubig (Barangay 2)
Business Manager: Jade Doremon (Nabulao)

The orientation and election underscore the City Government of Sipalay's commitment to nurturing capable, responsible, and service-oriented young leaders. By strengthening collaboration among barangays and providing opportunities for leadership development, the PYAP continues to serve as a platform where young Sipalaynons can contribute to nation-building and community progress.