NWU-SSC mounts YOUTH 101 with the INYDO

The Northwestern University Supreme Student Council spearheaded the YOUTH 101 event at the New Media Hall, attended by officers from various colleges and student organizations, in collaboration with the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO) on February 28, 2023. The activity aimed to encourage the youth to actively participate in the community and society, as well as to be responsible in online spaces.Dr. Gregoria Najorda, Vice President for Academic Affairs, in her opening remarks, highlighted the importance of accountability, emphasizing that “freedom of speech has its own parallel response.”

Mr. Weenter P. Ventura, Youth Development Officer II of the province, spoke about how it is like to be a leader in the 21st century. He used the term VUCA, a word coined by the US Army that means Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous to describe the world we live in after certain events including the 911 tragedy. He then proceeded to present what was meant to counter the original meaning of VUCA: Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility. This aims to elevate the youth of this generation. He also reiterated the importance of responsibility, especially with the things youth post online.
Meanwhile, Mr. Willie Jake B. Sib-rat, Youth Development Officer III, discussed the programs that INYDO offers followed by Mr. Randy Labasam, Youth Development Assistant II, who explained how youth leaders can register their organizations under INYDO.

After the lectures, participants were treated to a short documentary film by Ryand Angelo Ugalde called “Arapaap,” a real-life story of a student named Alfred who also works at the carnival to finance his studies and help his family.

The activity concluded with Prof. Agustina Matias, Acting Dean of OSA, quoting Dr. Jose Rizal: “The youth is the hope of our future.”