In an extraordinary gathering held at the Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City on May 02-04, 2023, the NATCCO Youth Congress united young professionals and students from cooperatives nationwide for a three-day event focused on digital education as a key driver towards sustained growth and solidarity.
The theme of the congress, “Seizing New Frontiers to Learn, Embrace and Adapt to Digital Society Towards Resiliency and Sustainability,” was a powerful call to action for young people to step boldly with the proper knowledge and skills in coping up with the rapidly evolving digital world.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, workshops, and competitions that showcased the talents and capabilities of the participants. The sessions covered a broad range of topics, from digital marketing and e-commerce to cybersecurity and data analytics. The workshops, on the other hand, provided hands-on training on various digital tools and platforms.
Throughout the congress, delegates were also immersed in a wide range of compelling presentations, covering topics such as combatting disinformation and fake news, digital literacy, and digital footprint protection.
But the event was elevated by the impressive showcase of talents and skills in the competitions. Tagum Cooperative standout and dominated multiple categories, such as quiz bee and the youth debate contest. Mr. Rafaello Cedric A. Caliao from Tagum City National High School emerged as the champion of the quiz bee (apprentice level), securing the first-place position, while Ms. Charisse Mata of Tagum City Trade School claimed the top spot as the winner of the youth debate contest. Their remarkable achievements demonstrated competence and drive and the effectiveness of the training and education programs in the region.
In addition to building valuable knowledge and skills, the event showed a strong sense of community and collaboration among participants. By bringing together delegates from diverse backgrounds, the event created opportunities for mentorship and mutual learning, which, in return, will undoubtedly be critical in shaping the future of the digital economy in the nation.
Undoubtedly, the NATCCO Youth Congress 2023 shone brightly with the triumphant exhibition of exceptional talents and innovative spirits of youth. It reinforced the crucial message of embracing new technologies while remaining mindful of societal and environmental implications. Inspired by the accomplishments of participants, the congress sparked a call to action for the younger generation to seize the opportunities presented by the digital age and actively collaborate towards creating a more resilient and sustainable future.