Belmonte welcomed during the flagraising ceremony Youth Mayor Jobel Gomez, a fourth year student of the Quirino High School, and her youth councilors, who sat as honorary local officials of the city government.
"Government and society may be able to provide ample opportunities for their advancements, but its is the young people themselves who must hone their talent and skills in preparation for adulthood," the mayor said.
Activities during the weeklong celebration include medical missions, a quiz bee contest, spot poster making and singing contests, parol making and the special participation of the SK officials, led by Sanguniang Kabataan Federation president Junie Marie Castelo, on a noon time show of ABS-CBN.
The theme for this year’s celebration is "Kabataan, Lumahok at Kumilos Ka sa Paghubog ng Kinabukasan."
"We are glad that the theme for this year’s youth week challenges young people to shape their own future. We are confident that today’s young people will turn out to be responsible and productive citizens," Belmonte said.
The mayor said the ease by which the youth adapt themselves to revolutionary advances in sciences and technology is an indication that they are more than prepared to embrace the challenges of a new age.