𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚 2026

Municipality of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental – August 15-16, 2026 – Participants of Ang Ating Panata 2026 gather with Ateneo Blue Vote Volunteers during the two-day leadership formation and development program for aspiring youth leaders.

Tara, takbo! With young people stepping forward to answer the call to public service, Ateneo Blue Vote Volunteers, in partnership with SAMAHAN, once again brought Ang Ating Panata to the Municipality of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, for a two-day leadership formation and development program for aspiring Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders.

The initiative provided aspiring youth leaders with a space to prepare not only for the possibility of running for office, but more importantly, for the responsibility of serving their communities. Through modules on community development, meaningful consultation, and grassroots initiative-building, participants were encouraged to understand leadership from the ground up—beginning with listening to the people they hope to represent.

Tara, takbo! became more than a call to run. It became an invitation to take the first step toward public service with intention, preparation, and a genuine understanding of community needs.

Throughout the two-day formation, participants engaged in discussions and activities designed to sharpen their leadership perspectives and encourage them to develop initiatives responsive to the realities of their communities. The program emphasized that youth leadership is not simply about holding a position, but about building relationships, discerning community needs, and turning collective aspirations into meaningful action.

Ms. Amalia Lin Cabangbang, Local Youth Development Officer of Sta. Maria, expressed her gratitude to the Ateneo Blue Vote Volunteers for once again sharing their time, effort, and knowledge with the municipality’s aspiring youth leaders.

The return of Ang Ating Panata to Sta. Maria reinforces the program’s continuing mission to accompany young people as they take part in local governance and community-building. It likewise reflects the University’s commitment to forming discerning, adaptive, and prophetic leaders—leaders who are willing to listen before they act, understand before they decide, and serve beyond the limits of a position.

For the aspiring SK leaders of Sta. Maria, the road to leadership may begin with a simple invitation: Tara, takbo!

But beyond running for office is the greater call—to run toward the community, with the community, and ultimately, for the community.

Photo Courtesy: SAMAHAN