In a significant boost to youth empowerment, 100 youth organizations in Albay were awarded PHP20,000 each by the Ako Bicol party-list under the ImpactVille Project’s Short-Term Measurable Initiative for Local Empowerment (SMILE). The grants, totaling PHP2 million, were distributed during a ceremony at St. Ellis Hotel in Legazpi City on February 14, 2025.
Aunel Ross Angcos, the founder of ImpactVille Project SMILE, emphasized the initiative’s goal to enhance the leadership skills of young people and encourage them to undertake projects that have a lasting impact on their communities. The funding will be released in two parts: the first before the project starts, and the second a week after the project’s commencement.
The youth groups are expected to implement their projects over a month, from February 17 to March 17. Following this period, the top 10 projects will be selected to participate in a special camp where they will receive mentorship to further develop their initiatives sustainably.
Angcos stressed the importance of projects fitting within the PHP20,000 budget and making a positive difference in their local areas. The initiative covers youth organizations from 11 municipalities in Albay, with projects ranging from gardening and farming to small business ventures.
Despite the modest grant size, the aim is to see how creatively these organizations can use the funds to bring about meaningful change. Out of 144 proposals submitted, only 100 were selected to move forward with their projects.
On the same day, Ako Bicol party-list also kicked off its election campaign with a rally at Sawangan Park in Legazpi City, highlighted by performances from celebrity Jericho Rosales and the band Orange & Lemons, making Valentine’s Day memorable for the residents of Albay.