Young Boholano hailed Asian Leader

Another Boholano made it to the international limelight.

This time, National Youth Commission's (NYC) commissioner for the Visayas Benjie S. Oliva who is a native of Catigbian town of this province was elected Chairman of this year's Asian Youth Congress (AYC) in Seoul, Korea last August 7-27. AYC is among the biggest gathering of youth leaders in Asia . Over 300 youth leaders coming in from 18 countries in Asia ( Bangladesh , Brunei , Cambodia , India , Indonesia , Kazahkstan , Korea , Laos , Malaysia , Mongolia , Myanmar , Pakistan , Philippines , Singapore , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Uzbekistan and Vietnam ) participated in the congress. Being the chairman of AYC, Oliva presided the entire duration of the congress smoothly and peacefully. His expertise in parliamentary procedure and strong leadership with participative approach earned him a standing ovation when congress ended.

The congress main topic was Mutual Cooperation for Asian Peace and Development with five (5) corresponding sub-topics to wit; Mutual Prosperity, Sustainable Natural Environment, Cultural Diversity, Globalization and Social Participation and Employment. National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea (NCYOK) president Dr. Suk Sam Kim and the National Youth Commission in Korea chairperson Choi Young Hee lauded Oliva for an outstanding performance that yielded the creation of the first (1st) Asian Youth Declaration. Oliva's fellow delegates to the congress and his colleagues in the NYC – Philippines congratulated him for his performance and for making the country emerged among the top nations in Asia. Oliva is the first Filipino youth leader elected as Chairman of the Asian Youth Congress (AYC). He is also the first Boholano Commissioner of the National Youth Commission since its creation in 1995 through RA 8044 or otherwise known as the Youth in

Nation Building Act.

Oliva tributes his efforts and achievements to his mentors whom he identified as Governor Erico B. Aumentado and the three distinguished Congressman of Bohol: Edgar Chatto, Ondoy Cajes and Boy Jala.

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