FYS 2026: GUTOC URGES YOUTH TO BREAK STEREOTYPES, STRENGTHEN PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING

Building lasting peace begins with understanding the realities faced by communities and challenging long-held misconceptions, Bangsamoro leader Samira Gutoc told delegates at the Filipino Youth Summit 2026.

Speaking during the summit at De La Salle University, Gutoc highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro people while drawing attention to the challenges that continue to affect many communities, including conflict, displacement, and unequal access to education.

She emphasized that these issues have left lasting impacts on generations of Bangsamoro families, making inclusive education, dialogue, and cultural understanding essential in sustaining peace.

Gutoc reminded participants that peace is not a destination but a continuous process that requires empathy, cooperation, and active participation from all sectors of society.

She encouraged the youth to go beyond classroom learning by engaging with diverse communities, questioning stereotypes, and promoting respectful conversations across cultures.

The discussion formed part of the Filipino Youth Summit's Cultural Engagement pillar, which seeks to deepen participants' appreciation of the country's diverse histories and identities while fostering unity through informed dialogue.

The Filipino Youth Summit 2026 gathers student leaders nationwide to develop solutions to national issues through leadership, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and cultural understanding.