This article is written and edited by Julius dela Fuente.

On October 25 and 26, The Coalition for Bicol Development (CBD) organized the 2023 BSKE Youth Monitors Training-Workshop on Knowledge Management and Development at Isarog A, Summit Hotel in Naga City. The event brought together youth monitors from Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) and various CSOs in Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, and Camarines Sur.

The workshop’s theme centered on empowering youth monitors to track and report potential abuses of state resources by politicians. Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in insightful discussions and skill-building sessions aimed at enhancing their capabilities in monitoring. 

The first speaker of the event was Mr. Imran Pitapit, Project Manager of CBD, who delved into the essentials of knowledge management. Participants gained valuable insights into efficiently organizing, analyzing, and utilizing information. Following this, Ms. Sheena Peña, Program Officer for Strategic Communications at CODE-NGO, discussed how to create impactful stories. Her session offered practical tips for youth monitors to effectively communicate their findings to a wider audience. The third session delved into investigative journalism, featuring Ms. Marie Antonette Eduardo, TV news anchor and program host at One Media TV 48 Naga. Participants learned the fundamentals of conducting thorough investigations and presenting their findings compellingly. The fourth and final session, led by Ms. Aurora C. De Guzman, Chairperson of CBD, focused on gender sexuality and awareness. Her session aimed to sensitize youth monitors to issues related to gender and sexuality, fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach in their monitoring activities.

The highlight of the event was the application of the knowledge gained during the workshop to formulate policies addressing abuses of state resources observed during the 2023 Barangay and SK elections. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions to develop effective strategies and policies that could make a lasting impact on their respective communities.