The Municipality of Dalaguete—Dalaguete National High School (DNHS) took pride as the venue host of the 1,600 youth campers of Summer Kamp sa Sugbo last July 22–26, 2024.
This successful 5-day fun-filled experience and insightful activities were participated in by 80 barangays in Cebu City with the theme of Crystal Year: Road to Transformative Growth.
Dalaguete Vice Mayor William Lagahid welcomed the Sugbo youth campers, camp organizers, working committees, facilitators, volunteers, participating offices and departments, and Cebu City government officials to the humble town of Dalaguete. “I hope this event will be fruitful and everyone will go home with a rich mind and a happy heart,” Vice Mayor Lagahid stated during his welcome remarks.
Along with Vice Mayor Lagahid are the Sangguniang Bayan Councilors: Kevin Belandres, Ernesto “Todidot” Tangpos, Coca Nicohl Osorio-Bustamante, and Felix Villacorta, who were also present during the opening program.
Government Officials from Cebu City Mayor Rama, Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros, Cebu City Councilors Noel Wenceslao (North District) and Jocelyn “Joy” Pesquera (South District), Cebu City Commission for the Welfare and Protection of Children (CCCWPC) Chairman Atty. Kimberly Esmeña-Banquirigo, CCCWPC Executive Director Carmelita Helen Bola-bola Francisco and SKF President of Cebu City Rhea Mae Jakosalem were also present in the opening program.
Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President of Dalaguete, Danilo Sombilon Jr., advised the youth campers, stating, “To all campers, embrace every moment here.’’
Kurt, a LGBTQ first-time youth participant from Barangay Carita, had a wonderful experience and felt empowered after joining, stating, “I do have confidence to meet new and other people. It also helps me boost my self-esteem, so I am not scared to socialize with people.” Kurt was very happy to conquer this fear of being judged by other people and was grateful to be a part of this Summer Kamp.
Farida Matonding, Executive Assistant of the Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC) under Cebu City, Program Manager on Islamic, Cultural, and Public Affairs (External/Internal), enthusiastically encouraged Muslim youths to participate in Cebu City programs so they don’t feel left out. From 3 Muslim youth participants from Barangay Mambaling,
Matonding is optimistic about increasing this number, noting, “We hope that at the next Youth Summer Kamp, we will make Muslim communities get involved in this.”
Moreover, DNHS Principal Dr. Roldan Rosales, was grateful on behalf of the school after receiving generous donations: two (2) Iwata Evaporative Air Coolers and one (1) television from the Cebu City Government.
Summer Kamp sa Sugbo marked its 15th year in 2024 with enriching experiences, adventure, camaraderie, and community spirit from Sugbo youth campers.
