Amidst the serene backdrop of Saguday EcoPark, Hon. Jerry Pagbilao, LCE, and Dr. Hermenegildo F.

Samoy Jr., QSU President, led their teams in a momentous ceremonial planting last March 14, 2023. The
event marked the first wave of projects that the two leaders had planned for the town.

Hon. Pagbilao and Dr. Samoy couldn't help but break out into big smiles as they carefully planted the
tissue-cultured banana plantlets. The teams involved in the planting were brimming with excitement.
The vibe was infectious, and it was clear that they were all eager to be a part of this significant
undertaking.

Hon. Pagbilao in an earlier message mentioned that the partnership with QSU is part of the LGU'S
mission to improve the community's agricultural practices as said collaboration aspires to be able to
provide farmers with the tools and knowledge, they need to produce crops that are sustainable,
profitable, and can contribute to the town's economy.

Dr. Samoy echoed the same sentiment on his message during the MOA signing, saying that the university
is committed to helping the community by sharing its knowledge and expertise. "We believe that our
partnership with the LGUs will not only benefit the town but will also serve as an example of how
academic institutions can work with local governments to promote sustainable development," he said.

The initiative taken by Hon. Pagbilao, Dr. Samoy, and their teams represent planting for the future, and it
is a reminder that every small step we take towards sustainability today can positively impact the future.

As the planting concluded, it was evident that the event was more than just planting a few banana
plantlets. It was a celebration of the community's collective spirit and a demonstration of what can be
achieved through partnership and cooperation.

LGU Saguday started planting three varieties of tissue cultured banana plantlets at Saguday Ecopark as
part of the MOA signed with the Quirino State University's Research and Development Center.

The partnership between the LGU and QSU will provide technical support, as well as training and
resources for the successful implementation of smart and sustainable projects.

Tissue cultured banana plantlets are preferred over traditional planting methods due to their disease-
resistant and high-yielding characteristics. These plantlets also have a significantly shorter growth cycle,
allowing for quicker harvests and increased productivity. By adopting this innovative approach, the LGU
hopes to create a more efficient and sustainable farming system, while also providing a reliable source of
income for the local community.

The project is just the beginning of a larger effort to transform Saguday into a more environmentally
conscious and sustainable community. By embracing smart and sustainable practices, Saguday is taking a
positive step towards a better future for all.

ITS OFFICIAL ||

The Municipality of Saguday, through the power vested in the LCE Hon. Jerry Pagbilao, entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement with Quirino State University through its President, Dr. Hermenegildo F.
Samoy Jr. , to be the university's partner on its research and extension initiatives. The MOA was signed
and witnessed by Ma. Linda Lenlen G. Marcelino, MPDC, and William Bill E. Doria, PESO, during QSU's
Research & Development Milestones: Launching of Externally Funded Projects in the newly inaugurated
Mushroom Research & Development Center last February 23, 2023.

The Saguday Eco Tourism Park will house the initial leg of projects in Tissue Culture, Bamboo
Development and Free Ranged Chicken, among others.

The program with the theme ' Empowering Communities Through Smart and Sustainable Initiatives in
Quirino' was graced by Engineer Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary of Regional Operations
and his team, as well as the leaders and office heads from the different municipalities.
 Agricultural-driven Community for Prosperity

Tied with one goal of serving the community with project that is sustainable, profitable, and can
contribute to the economy, Quirino State University, spearheaded by QSU President Dr. Hermenegildo F.
Samoy Jr., representing the academe, and the Local Government Unit of Saguday led by Hon. Jerry
Pagbilao, Local Cheift Executive, proved that all things with unity can produce an indelible difference for
community
 Youth Activism: Empowering the Next Generation to Make a Difference: Highlighting inspiring young
activists who are advocating for social change and exploring the impact of youth-led movements.

Youths are potent tools to create a significant difference in today’s interconnected world.
Growth of social media and accessibility of information made them more connected than ever before,
allowing them to create and boost awareness and establish support for their genuine causes. They
have effectively influenced governments, gazed societal norms, and drawn attention to urgent global
problems by maximizing their voices. Indeed, awareness to the power they have in their callings —
amplifying their voices, building and empowering their values anchored with local culture and
tradition and showing passion and enthusiasm to whatever endeavors they are pursuing — is the key
to unlock a thriving and progressive community we have ever envisioned of.

As the bridge between the past and present generation, youths can become more powerful
when their voices are amplified; This focuses on how they were engaged in a meaningful and
sustained activity inside or outside themselves under community-based organizations. With this, they
should be seen and heard equally as those belonging to adults. Furthermore, youth grow and sustain
psychological wellness through having strong and empowering relationships with those around them,
such as adults and leaders; A positive circle allows them to be courageous and confident about what
they are doing inside and outside their box. Also, community support is crucial because it aids to
achieve youth development, immersing young minds through active engagement to society. Therefore,
amplifying voices of youth means giving them opportunities to freely realize their creative and
innovative ideas.

On the other hand, building and empowering values anchored with local culture and tradition
have been a great challenge to our community. Nowadays, the social, political, and economic
developments have an impact on every generation of youths. Young people nowadays have never
been different, and they are the first generation whose lives have been completely dominated by
social media and mobile technology. Their being connected in many resources of information is a very
powerful avenue to empower and preserve one’s local culture and community. However, this will not
be possible if their core values will be disregarded. Anchored with local perspectives, building and
empowering their good manners and right conduct must be a priority. Many factors, all of which are
connected to a person's values, cause people to change. Youth who place a high value on pleasure, for
instance, may alter their conduct if the unfavorable effects of their actions interfere with their
enjoyment. Young people who value independence could adopt changes to enjoy more freedom. Thus,
before giving feedback or guidance, it is important to establish a rapport with the young person, learn
about their views and ambitions, fully understand their struggles, and discover anything they would
wish to alter.