QCU Holds 2024 OSY Champions’ Summit and BLeSDS Graduation Ceremony
Quezon City University (QCU) successfully hosted the Quezon City OSY Champions’ Summit and Graduation Ceremony for the Barangay Leaders Executive Course on System Delivery Support for the Out-of-School Youth (BLeSDS) on November 12, 2024, at the QCU Auditorium. The event marked the culmination of a transformative program that empowered barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to create sustainable initiatives for out-of-school youth (OSY).
On behalf of Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, QCU President, Mr. Angelito Bautista Jr., Director of the QCU Research Management Office and Project Leader of the QCU BLeSDS for the OSY project, opened the ceremony and delivered the President’s welcome remarks, emphasizing shared commitment across cities.
“Today’s event is a testament to our dedication to ensuring no youth is left behind—not just in Quezon City but in Angeles City and Pasig City as well,” she said. Dr. Atienza lauded the partnerships formed under the USAID-EDC GAIN Grant, which enabled the successful training of trainers in City College of Angeles (CCA) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP), who then implemented their own BLeSDS programs.
Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. “Joy” Belmonte, the Guest of Honor, delivered an inspiring message, acknowledging the pressing realities faced by OSYs.
“There are millions of Filipino children and young adults who are not in school, facing barriers such as financial constraints, family responsibilities, and lack of opportunities,” she said.
She also praised the graduates for their dedication, emphasizing, “The course ends today—but the real work begins. We are excited to see the ripples of change you will create as you uplift OSY in your communities.”
Representing USAID, Ms. Yvette Malcioln, Deputy Director of the Office of Education, extended her congratulations, expressing pride in being part of such a meaningful initiative. “We are happy to see the success of this collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to youth empowerment and education,” she said.
Nancy Devine, Senior Vice-President of the International Development Division at EDC, echoed these sentiments, highlighting QCU’s role. “We are proud of how QCU has expanded this initiative and partnered with other institutions like CCA and PLP, setting a benchmark for OSY programs across the nation,” she said.
In a symbolic gesture, representatives from CCA and PLP, Dr. Francisco Villanueva and Dr. Glicerio Maningas, expressed gratitude to QCU for sharing the BLeSDS framework, which they successfully implemented in their cities. They also received a plaque of recognition from QCU for their outstanding contribution as partners for the BLeSDS for the OSY Project.
The event also celebrated the graduation of over 200 barangay and SK officials from Batch 1 and Batch 2 of the BLeSDS program. Graduates also presented a total of 11 project proposals aimed at addressing specific OSY needs in their communities, showcasing innovative ideas ranging from alternative education pathways to skills training and community engagement programs.
Funded through the second chance opportunities (Opportunity 2.0) Program by the US Agency for International Development (USAID)-Education Development Center (EDC, the 1.5 month executive course draws on the Bridging Leadership Framework and the Positive Youth Development Approach by USAID to address the gaps and issues affecting OSYs in Quezon City. The project also included a training of trainers and pilot implementation of the executive course in Pasig City and Angeles City.
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