JULY marks the celebration of two great events this year. The Sandugo Festival and the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK). The Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation (SKPF) being on the mainstream of youth service, have prepared the hosting of the TBTK Youth Gathering 2006 on July 24 to 28 this year.

Under the leadership of SKPF president Frances Bobbith Cajes-Auza with the support of her Chief of Staff, Chris John G. Torralba, this year's youth gathering is designed to exhibit and expose the participants to the adventures and extreme experiences in the island province. The five day activity, July 24, will start with a welcome luncheon in a barrio fiesta atmosphere at the Governor's Mannion this city. The province's well-known tribal music group La Tribu shall add color to opening salvo. After the welcome luncheon, the participants shall then proceed to the Abatan River in Maribojoc town for the Abatan Adventure Extreme. This activity will feature the potential adventure packages suited for the potential tourist hob. The adventure includes kayaking, rappelling, rope traverse and of course the existing Abatan River Cruise.

On the evening of the first day, a Basketball Exhibition Game between the TBTK Balikbayan Team and the SK Bohol Team is another exciting action to take place at the University of Bohol Gymnasium. The second day sets an activity aimed to promote awareness and the social responsibility of the youth in the safe keeping and advocacy for environment. Thus, the Bio-Diversity Challenge at the Camp Magsaysay , Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, Bilar, Bohol

The challenges shall run for the whole day. Outdoor adventure like mountain trekking, treasure hunting, caving and rappelling are set. With the aim to encourage the sense of community service among the participants, the third day is highlighted by two activities designed to meet the objective. A volunteer work at the Habitat for Humanity in Totolan, Dauis, Bohol , and a Feeding and Gift Giving at Poblacion Centro Day Care Center in Dampas District are set to ignite the social concern of the youth participants.

Between the volunteer work and the feeding activities shall be the lunch at the Bohol Bee Farm with an orientation on the organic farming by by Bohol Bee Farm's Vicky Wallace. The lecture orientation and resort tour is expected to help the youth realize the importance of natural food products and organic farming. A new experience in tree planting is set on the morning of the fourth day. In coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) the participants shall dedicated time to plant mangrove seedlings in the shoreline of Taguihon, Baclayon, Bohol. The DENR shall provide an lecture on the mangrove and how it is being planted.

On the afternoon of the same day is the Alona Amazing Beach Challenge where the participants shall face the challenge along the pearly white beach stretch of Alona Beach in Tawala, Panglao, Bohol . A series of challenges shall be experienced by the participants as they hop from one challenge station to another. The stations are strategically placed along the coastline so that the participants can go around the Alona Beach. Aimed to encourage cooperation among young Boholanos around the globe, the fifth day is dedicated for the First Bohol International Youth Forum. The forum shall be designed to tackle certain youth issues that should pave the way to a possible youth network of Boholanos anywhere they be in globe.

This years youth gathering is supported by Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera, Congressmen Roberto Cajes, Congressman Edgar Chatto, Board Member Brigido Imboy, Commissioner Benjie Oliva, Kagawad Nila Montero, Vicky Wallace, Alona Tropical, Bohol Bee Farm, Ulysis Dolojol of Oops Bar, Mayor Fanuel Cadeliña, Mayor Ben Redulla, Bohol Extreme, and the Philippine National Red Cross. For more information on TBTK Youth Gathering, you may visit the SKPF office at the SP Hall, Bohol Provincial Capitol Complex, Tagbilaran City or you call the office at (038) 411-5914 and look for John Torralba.

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