DMMMSU RESEARCH AND EXTENSION JOURNAL

Volume 9, Issue 1 December 2025 ISSN: 0119-2035

Pages: 1 - 21 [Link]

Research Article

Lived Experiences of Filipino Youth in Community Development

Initiatives in the City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines
Herminaldo P. Estilong*1,2 and Noel L. Lansang2
1The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008, Philippines;
2College of Management, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Mid-La Union Campus, City of San Fernando,
La Union, 2500, Philippines
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ABSTRACT

Article history: Youth participation is a vital component of nation-

building and community development. However, youth
Submitted February 8, 2025 are often excluded from meaningful engagement in the
development process. The literature on youth
Revised February 19, 2025 participation remains limited, particularly in
understanding the motivations and challenges shaping
Accepted March 21, 2025 their experiences. This study addresses this gap by
exploring the lived experiences of 48 Filipino youth in
community development initiatives in the City of San
*Corresponding author: Fernando, La Union, Philippines, focusing on their areas
E-mail: of participation, motivations, and challenges. This study
hermieestilong@[Link] utilized qualitative thematic coding analysis with a case
study approach. Findings revealed two themes from their
youth responses emphasizing high participation in the
Keywords: areas of planning, decision-making, and implementing
community development initiatives. However, the youth
challenges, demonstrated limited involvement in monitoring and
community development, evaluation. Two themes also arise, along with their
Filipino youth, motivations and challenges. This study showed that
motivation, youth are motivated to participate due to their
participation commitment to the greater good (public interest) and
personal growth and fulfillment (personal interest).
Despite their enthusiasm, youth participation faces
logistical constraints and social engagement issues. The
study highlights the need for stronger leadership
programs, developed policy innovations, improved
organizational structures, and institutional support to
enhance youth involvement, ensuring their contributions
to community development are impactful and sustained.

____________________
How to cite:
Estilong, H. & Lansang, N. (2025). Lived Experiences of Filipino Youth to Community
Development Initiatives in the City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. DMMMSU
Research and Extension Journal, 9(1): 1 – 20. [Link]
Estilong & Lansang – Lived Experiences of Filipino Youth in Community Development
__________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction
Youth participation in community development is a key element in nation-building. Young
people's creativity, innovativeness, and adaptability were evident in their participation in
various community programs (Ekka et al., 2022). To increase their potential, the world has
invested in youth participation (Reguindin, 2023). Governments continuously empower young
people to contribute and actively participate in community development initiatives (Romić &
Dujmović Bocka, 2022).

Globally, youth participation is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for sustainable community

development, with international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank
advocating for inclusive youth policies (United Nations Development Programme, 2017;
Issaka, 2021). Their vital participation is also evident in the literature. For instance, in India,
youth were actively involved in economic activities by providing livelihood projects for local
communities (Bhatia et al., 2023), while in Georgia (Dolidze, 2021) and the United States
(Lavery, 2021), community-based youth organizations focused on skills development,
leadership activities, and non-formal educational services.

Despite these worldwide patterns, political systems, social mores, and financial limitations
cause youth engagement to differ significantly by nation and area (Suhaimi, 2021; Cadano,
2023). In the case of Africa, for example, youth are isolated and underrepresented in
governance, resulting in low participation in community development (Niang, 2019). Similarly,
young people in Malaysia were also found to be weak in community development participation
due to discrimination and limited capabilities (Ekpe, 2017). As a result, the youth often find
themselves excluded and lack opportunities in the development process (Dolidze, 2021;
Calawa et al., 2023).

In contrast, the participation of the youth in governance and community initiatives in the
Philippines is institutionalized through the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Community-Based
Youth Organizations (CBYOs) as provided in the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic
Act 7160 and Youth in Nation Building Act or Republic Act 8044. The SK represents the youth
in local governance, assists in youth-related decision-making within the local government units
(LGUs), and serves as a training ground for future community youth leaders (Enopiquez et al.,
2019; De Jesus, 2022). However, studies show that the SK became a space for corruption and
inefficiency (Baustista, 2021). Conversely, Congress asserts that a more inclusive and
empowered youth government should be given the opportunity to reshape public perception of
the SK by increasing their accountability and involvement in participatory governance (Flores
et al., 2021) as well as community development (Reguindin, 2023).

Several studies have examined the participation of youth and the SK in community
development in localities (Reguindin, 2023), including youth participation in agricultural
initiatives (Manalo et al., 2019), involvement in community extension programs (Rubio et al.,
2016), engagement in peace-building efforts (Cabanes Ragandang & Podder, 2022), and
participation in health-related programs (Bagaoisan, 2021; Magsumbol, 2021; Sunio, 2021).
Despite the recognized importance of youth participation in community development, a
comprehensive understanding of their lived experiences, motivation, and challenges in
participation remains lacking. This study intends to address a significant gap.

In addition, other literatures on youth participation in the Philippines mainly focus on SK, a
government-established youth organization (De Jesus, 2022; Reguindin, 2023; Rosales, 2023;

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Calawa et al., 2023). Although SK is well-studied, research exploring the lived experiences of
Filipino youth in voluntary youth organizations, like CBYOs, remains limited and outdated,
creating a gap in understanding their roles and challenges in community development.

Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by exploring the lived experiences of Filipino youth
involved in CBYOs in the City of San Fernando, La Union. Specifically, the study aims to
answer the following research questions: (1) How do youth members in CBYOs describe their
participation in community development initiatives? (2) Why do youth members in CBYOs
participate in the community development initiatives of their organization? (3) How do youth
members describe the challenges they encountered in participation?

The study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of youth participation in

community development. While previous research has examined youth participation in specific
sectors of community development like education, environment, and livelihood, this study
focuses on the particular areas of youth participation in organizational operations. By exploring
this novel perspective, the study adds depth to the existing body of knowledge in the field,
shedding light on previously unexplored dimensions of community development initiatives.

Limitations of the study

The study is limited to the City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. The study also
focused on a specific set of young people in different CBYOs, restricting the sample's
representativeness. Future research may benefit from a broader sample, incorporating
CBYOs from varied settings to ensure a more inclusive representation. As with any
qualitative research, this study is also subject to potential biases, including researcher,
participant, and interpretive biases. To mitigate these biases, the study employed
triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing to enhance the credibility of the
findings. Given the study’s qualitative nature and reliance on in-depth narratives, the findings
in this study are context-specific. They may not be easily generalized to all youth
organizations or community development initiatives. Thus, while the findings offer
meaningful insights into the experiences of youth in the studied organizations, they should
be interpreted with caution when applied to other settings.

Framework of the Study

This study is anchored on the Community Youth Development Theory (Benson & Pittman,
2001; Perkins et al., 2001) and Systems Theory (Johnson et al., 1964; Bertalanffy, 1968).

The Community Youth Development Theory (Benson & Pittman, 2001; Perkins et al., 2001)
emphasizes the importance of empowering and supporting young people as community
development agents. This theory emphasizes how youth involvement in community
development contributes to and results from the development of young people and their
communities. The theory's central idea is that young people can flourish socially and
economically in communities where active youth organizations are visible and accessible.
These youth organizations served as partners of the local government units in delivering
essential services to marginalized communities. These youth organizations enabled them to
release their potential to create meaningful impact in communities. In this sense, youth are
active participants whose involvement promotes community sustainability rather than just
being beneficiaries of community activities (Estilong & Lansang 2025, unpublished data).

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Hence, understanding the experiences related to their participation, motivation, and challenges
is crucial to this study.

Figure 1. Conceptualization of the Community Youth Development Theory

Moreover, a society is a system comprising several organizations, institutions, and sectors.

Each organization, institution, and sector collaborate to form a working body. The Systems
Theory (Johnson et al., 1964; Bertalanffy, 1968) provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding youth participation in community development. The notion that various system
elements are interconnected and cooperate to influence results is central to this theory (Figure
2). This idea implies that young people are part of broader social, economic, and cultural
systems rather than existing in a vacuum regarding youth engagement (Estilong & Lansang
2025, unpublished data).

Figure 2. Conceptualization of the Systems Theory

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As a result, this study has demonstrated how Filipino youth participate in the community
development programs and activities of community-based youth organizations and how they
interact and are affected by organizations and institutions that surround them, contributing to
their motivations and challenges in community development participation. The theories
mentioned above served as the cornerstone of the proposed conceptual paradigm in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

The conceptual framework presented above emphasizes the essential role of Republic Act
8044, also known as the Youth in Nation-Building Act, as a guiding legal framework for youth
engagement in community development. Below Republic Act 8044, Filipino youth
participation is placed at the center, signifying the active role of young individuals in
community activities. Their engagement is influenced by two significant factors: motivation in
participation and challenges in participation. Motivation in participation represents the driving
forces that encourage youth to engage in community development.

Challenges in participation refer to the obstacles that hinder youth from fully engaging in
community development efforts. Both motivation in participation and challenges in
participation contribute to the formulation of proposed strategies. These strategies are essential
in bridging the gap between youth aspirations and the systemic barriers they face. The proposed

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strategies aim to enhance the effectiveness of youth involvement in community initiatives by

addressing challenges and reinforcing motivating factors.

At the bottom of the paradigm, community development is the ultimate goal of the process.
When youth participation is well-supported through effective strategies and policies, it leads to
meaningful contributions that drive community social, economic, and environmental
development. The model suggests empowering youth through well-structured policies,
motivation, and problem-solving approaches can lead to sustainable community growth.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

This study employed a descriptive qualitative research method to allow in-depth exploration of
the lived experiences, perspectives, and contextual realities of youth. Bhandari (2023) asserted
that qualitative research design is suitable when the researcher collects and analyzes non-
numeric data, such as text, audio, or video, to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences.
Given that the study aimed to explore how youth members describe their experiences and
perceptions in participation, a qualitative approach is well-suited to capture the complexity and
richness of their narratives. Multiple data collection methods, including semi-structured
interviews, informal interviews, document analysis, and observations, were employed to
mitigate potential biases in data gathering and enhance credibility. Also, participants were
allowed to review and validate their interview notes and summaries to confirm the accuracy of
their statements, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Additionally, this research utilized a case study approach. This is one of the most widely used
qualitative designs for examining an individual, group, community, or organization. The case
study design was chosen as it enables a thorough analysis of purposive samples and offers a
detailed view of the phenomenon being studied (Primo & Collado, 2024).

Population and Sampling

Purposive sampling was used to select 48 youth members from six registered CBYOs in the
City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. This non-probability sampling method was
appropriate for qualitative research as it allowed for the deliberate selection of participants
actively engaged in youth development initiatives, ensuring the relevance and richness of the
data collected.

Moreover, the sample size was determined based on data saturation, ensuring a comprehensive
exploration of participant experiences. Data saturation is critical in selecting an appropriate
sample size for qualitative research. The sample size of 48 respondents, drawn from six
CBYOs, was considered adequate based on several key factors, such as representation of
diverse organizational experiences, depth of individual responses, and achieving thematic
saturation. In the study of Hennink and Kaiser (2022), 9-17 participants per organization are
initially considered in qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews. However,
adjustments may be made during data collection based on emerging new insights and the need
to achieve saturation.

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The respondents of this study were chosen based on the following inclusion criteria: youth
members must be between 18 and 30 years old, members of a community-based youth
organization (CBYO) in the city, the community-based youth organization has been in
operation for at least five years and also registered in the Youth Organization Registration
Program (YORP) of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Local Youth Development
Office (LYDO). The requirement that the organizations must have been operating for at least
five years ensured that the study focused on well-established CBYOs with sufficient experience
in community development initiatives. By selecting only registered community-based
organizations, the study guaranteed the credibility and legitimacy of the groups examined, as
registration with YORP and LYDO signifies compliance with national and local youth
development policies. Also, the six (6) CBYOs selected were the only youth organizations in
the city categorized as “community-based.” Other youth organizations in the area were
primarily school-based, with initiatives focused on educational institutions rather than broader
community engagement.

On the other hand, the exclusion criteria were set to enhance the study's validity. Minors, those
17 years and below, were excluded from the study to ensure legal and ethical considerations.
This criterion ensures that the study focuses on young individuals who are legally recognized
as young adults and are likely to participate actively in CBYO activities, providing relevant
insights into their participation and the challenges encountered. The objective of this criterion
is also to eliminate the risk for minors during data gathering. This study excluded any CBYO
that was not community-based, had been in operation for less than five (5) years, or was not
registered in LYDO and YORP. This guarantees that the study will concentrate on reputable
CBYOs with a sizable membership base and developing communities (Cadano, 2023).

Study Site

The study was limited to a specific city in the Philippines, the City of San Fernando, La Union.
The city was chosen based on specific inclusion criteria: the most populous local government
unit in the Province of La Union and a component city with registered community-based youth
organizations recognized by the National Youth Commission and the Local Youth
Development Office. Local government units not classified as component cities or with a
smaller population were excluded from consideration. This approach ensures that the study
takes place in a city with a significant presence of youth organizations, facilitating a
comprehensive exploration of young people's participation in community-based youth
organization initiatives.

The City of San Fernando, La Union is located in the northern region of Luzon, Philippines,
and aims to become the Safest Space for Youth and a People's City within the Ilocandia Region.
Among the 20 local government units in the province, it is both the most populous and the only
component city. The city's population of 128,024 primarily focuses on development efforts
targeting the underprivileged, marginalized, and impoverished groups, including youth. This
aligns with the city's strategic objective of creating a safe environment for young people and
fostering a community-oriented atmosphere.

Instrumentation and Data Collection

The study employed a semi-structured interview protocol to gather in-depth qualitative data
from six community-based youth organizations (CBYOs) youth members. The protocol was
structured in accordance with the objectives of this study. This method allowed for flexibility

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in the questioning process while ensuring that core topics related to participation, motivation,
and challenges faced by youth members were consistently addressed.

The interviews were designed to encourage open discussion, enabling participants to express
their experiences, thoughts, and perspectives in their own words. The semi-structured format
allowed the researcher to use a predefined set of open-ended questions while also adapting to
responses by asking follow-up questions for deeper exploration (Dejonckheere & Vaughn,
2019). This method worked very well in examining delicate and personal topics concerning
youth participation and organizational involvement.

Before the interviews were conducted, a validity assessment was conducted on the interview
protocol, which was reviewed by five experts and practitioners in the field of public
administration. The findings indicated an impressive validity score of 4.71, suggesting that the
instrument is highly valid and reliable.

Several procedures were followed during the data collection process to guarantee validity and
reliability. The researchers submitted a formal request letter to the City of Government of San
Fernando to secure permission and endorsement to conduct interviews among the respondents.
The endorsement was used to establish legitimacy and credibility among participants upon
approval. Through the help of the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), the youth
organizations were informed about the conduct of interviews. The respondents were also asked
whether they prefer face-to-face or online interviews. The youth members chose both online
and face-to-face communication.

The researcher remained impartial throughout the data collection process to improve reliability
and reduce potential bias. The researcher made thorough notes to document the background of
each interview and accurately recorded every response. Each interview lasted approximately
10 to 15 minutes and was conducted in both one-on-one and online settings to provide a
comfortable environment for the participants. With their consent, the interviews were audio-
recorded and later transcribed and structured for thematic analysis.

Other sources of data were collected, such as operational reports and photo documentation, to
corroborate the reported participation of the respondents visually. These were taken with
permission from the president of the organizations and the LYDO. These documents were
structured by categorizing them according to key themes aligned with the research objectives.
Any discrepancies or gaps were further explored through follow-up inquiries, reinforcing the
reliability of the data.

Mode of Analysis

The researcher performed a thematic coding analysis to examine the qualitative data and
discover emerging themes collected from the individual interviews describing the areas of their
participation, motivation, and challenges. The thematic analysis conducted has undergone a
comprehensive six-step process anchored in the study of Primo and Collado (2024). First, the
researchers immersed themselves in the data by performing preliminary readings of the
transcripts and records, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the participants'
experiences. Following this, the researcher developed initial codes to categorize key aspects of
the data, drawing upon the participants' responses to create these codes.

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Third, the researcher examined the initial codes to identify patterns or themes. This exploration
revealed important themes representing the positive and negative facets of youth experiences.
The identified themes were evaluated for their consistency and alignment with the research
objectives, leading to a refinement that accurately encapsulated the stories shared by the
participants. To capture the essence of each theme, the themes were defined and given a name.
Lastly, the results were collated into an extensive report that authenticated the participants'
experiences and used actual quotes to highlight essential themes (Primo & Collado, 2024).

Data from other sources, like informal interviews and document analysis, were also used to
validate the responses of youth members, specifically on their participation, motivation, and
challenges. Registration forms, awards, acknowledgments, accomplishment reports, and other
operational records like photo documentation were integrated to offer a comprehensive
understanding of the objectives of this study and ensure data reliability and triangulation.

Ethical Considerations

Before conducting interviews, the manuscript was subjected to ethical review. An ethical
clearance was secured from the DMMMSU Research Ethics Committee (REC). The
researchers then secured permission from the City Government. They provided the participants
with an informed consent form outlining the study's purpose, interview process, confidentiality
of information, and how the data would be utilized. To enhance convenience for the
respondents, the researchers allowed them to choose the interview's time, format, and location.
It was also crucial to empower participants to ask questions and to have the option to leave the
interview at any time. The researcher ensured that participants felt secure about the
confidentiality of their responses and identities. This was achieved through the secure storage
of interview recordings and by anonymizing participant identities in transcripts or reports using
codes or pseudonyms. Additionally, participants were informed about how they could access
the recordings. Throughout the interviewing process, the researcher approached respondents
with respect, empathy, and dignity while acknowledging their valuable contributions to the
research.

Results and Discussion

A. Areas of Participation

Youth participation in community-driven initiatives is vital for promoting inclusive and

sustainable community growth. This research emphasized two main themes identified from
examining youth involvement: "Empowered Voices in Planning and Decision-making" and
"Active in Implementation, Limited in Evaluation."

A.1 Theme 1: Empowered Voices in Planning and Decision-making

The first theme emphasized youth's active participation in community initiatives through
deliberate dialogue, collaborative decision-making, and brainstorming. Their involvement at
this point demonstrated a sense of accountability and leadership in advancing the advocacies
of their organization. Nevertheless, a gap emerged in the subsequent phases despite active
participation in the planning, decision-making, and implementation stages.

Community-based youth organizations (CBYOs) engage in various phases in their

community programs, projects, and activities, such as planning, decision-making,

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implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Based on the responses of youth members,

majority actively participated in the planning and decision-making processes, offering
suggestions and tactics for their organization's projects. Sample responses from Participants
1, 6, and 9 established the active participation of youth in these areas.

“in terms of participation, whenever a meeting is called, I make sure to attend as long
as I’m available and needed” (P1)

“actually, sir, I actively involved myself in the different meetings and forums of our
organization, especially when it comes to projects related to livelihood, which not
only helps me in my needs but also other young people who are studying” (P6)

“I always participate, sir in the planning stage of our organization whenever the
president announces meetings and sessions for the implementation of a project. In
there, we vote, we suggest, and we give our support whatever decisions made during
the planning” (P9)

Most respondents assert that they participate during meetings, youth forums, and assemblies
of their organization where plans and decisions are made. Participants 1, 6, and 9 capture the
same responses from other youth members. Validated by their youth leaders, the respondents
were involved in meaningful discussions and sessions tackling pertinent issues about their
plans, budgets, operations, programs, and activities in line with their advocacies, roles, and
responsibilities. This implies that the CBYOs effectively empowered the youth in community
development participation, suggesting that CBYOs must be strongly supported by local
government units through policies related to youth development.

A.2. Theme 2: Active in Implementation, Limited in Evaluation

The second theme emphasized how committed the young people are to carrying out programs
and assuming responsibility for carrying out community projects. The respondents assert that
they served as either facilitator of the event, coordinator, helper, and even one of the
beneficiaries of the project or program of their organization. Most participants claimed to
have high participation in the community development initiatives of their organization. For
instance, Participant 3 claimed to have high participation in their activities through setting
up venue and preparation of materials:

“when it comes to the program itself, I help with the setup (venue, materials) and
wholeheartedly participate in whatever activity is required. So, yes, my level of
participation is high” (P3)

Based on informal interviews with some members and leaders, Participant 3 and the other
respondents were confirmed to have high participation. Some of them were given roles in
different activities, such as Participant 8:

“when we have activities and projects, I am one of those who facilitate them.
Sometimes, I am also a beneficiary of the project, and they provide us with livelihood
and income opportunities” (P8)

Youth members' participation in their organization's community development initiatives

provides a meaningful impact on their lives. According to youth members, their active

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involvement in advocacies and programs of their organization enabled them to experience a

family. The sense of belonging in a community of youth was highlighted by Participant 9:

“when I first joined, what I liked about the organization was the vibe—it was fun. You
feel like you belong, like a family” (P9)

Supported by Participant 10, youth involvement in community projects of their organization

has steered young people away from vices. It was also mentioned that the path of the young
generation was redirected towards a better future because of their involvement in
organizational activities for the community:

"we have experiences where some youth have gone off track, so to speak. But because
of our organization, they see that there is hope for these young people. I can't say that
their lives have become perfect, but at the very least, we have helped them get back
on the right path” (P10)

The experiences of youth members in participating in the community development initiatives

of their youth organizations align with the principles of Community Youth Development
(CYD) theory. This theory highlights the importance of actively involving young people in
significant community roles, promoting personal development while aiding social progress.
Through participating in these initiatives, young individuals cultivate leadership abilities and
a sense of duty and enhance their ties to their communities. This connection underscores how
youth organizations empower young people to serve as agents of social change, emphasizing
that community engagement is crucial for comprehensive youth development.

Despite their dedication to the implementation and completing projects, most youth members
were not engaged in monitoring and evaluation, indicating a lack of interest in assessing their
work's efficacy and long-term effects. According to Purdue et al. (2018), youth involvement
in monitoring and evaluation is crucial for involving young people in development processes.
In this study, the respondents explained that the monitoring and evaluation was primarily the
function of their youth officers elected and committee members appointed in the
organization. Although they are invited to be involved in this stage, most youth members no
longer participate due to various barriers like schedule, time constraints, and budgetary
concerns.

B. Motivation in Participation

Youth participation in community initiatives is driven by various motivations that shape their
commitment and involvement. Based on the qualitative responses of the youth, "Commitment
to the Greater Good" and "Personal Growth and Fulfillment" are the two main themes
influencing their participation.

B.1 Theme 1: Commitment to the Greater Good

This theme, "Commitment to the Greater Good," captures the youth's strong sense of civic
duty and commitment to public service. Many youth members participated in community-
based youth organizations (CBYOs) to advocate for their communities' welfare, address
social challenges, and bring about constructive change. Their willingness to uphold shared
values and have a lasting impact was the foundation of their involvement.

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This study revealed that young people participated in CBYO's community development
initiatives due to public interest. The respondents shared that they are motivated to actively
engage because the community initiatives of their organization were beneficial to community
members, especially to the marginalized youth, conservation of the environment, leadership
opportunities for young people, skills enhancement for aspiring leaders, and economic
benefits to the underprivileged youth sector.

For instance, Participant 5 explained that their organization's programs have increased social
cohesion and inclusion, especially for the youth. The participant added that the community
members were also empowered because of the initiatives of their organization:

“when the organization conducted a coastal clean-up in barangays near the sea,
barangay officials also joined along with the youth. When we started the initiative,
some barangays even created resolutions and ordinances to continue the activity”
(P5)

Social cohesion and inclusion among youth, along with the empowerment of other
community members, are essential components of both Systems Theory and Community
Youth Development Theory. Systems Theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of
individuals and groups within a community, highlighting how youth engagement strengthens
social structures. Meanwhile, Community Youth Development Theory underscores the role
of youth in fostering positive community change through active participation.

Furthermore, the study revealed that the youth were more participative when a program or
activity aimed to help low-income families in different barangays, empower young
individuals with different skills, or promote environmental protection and gender equality.
For instance, the Random Act of Kindness project caters to marginalized students, and the
Feeding Program involves malnourished children, the Gift-giving projects provide slippers
and school supplies for youth, the Sustainable Palengke, and Clean-up Drives promote the
conservation of the environment, and leadership trainings that empower both youth
volunteers and youth leaders. As Participant 3 confirmed:

“the objectives of the projects, like the Sustainable Market and Clean-up Drives of
the organization, are really good. When we see their impact on the environment and
the youth, we are encouraged to continue and remain active in the programs” (P3)

Nonetheless, this study's findings contrast with the findings of Musarurwa (2018), where
most young people are not participative due to their lack of interest in the cause of every
project. The author implies that young people are actively engaging due to their personal
interest rather than public interest. On the other hand, this study emphasizes that youth
involvement in community development programs is fueled by a sense of social
responsibility, collective empowerment, and alignment with the objective of their
organization in addition to personal motives. This suggests that encouraging an effective
organizational culture and significant community service can improve youth participation in
ways that go beyond self-interest.

B.2 Theme 2: Personal Growth and Fulfillment

The theme, "Personal Growth and Fulfillment," emphasizes personal motives, including
social relationships, income generation, leadership experience, and skill development. In

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addition to helping others, youth members participate in activities to develop their skills,
increase their source of income, widen their networks, and be acknowledged for their
achievements. This self-driven drive fuels their long-term dedication and personal growth.

For instance, Participant 2 explained that their organization has mushroom production
processing, livestock project, and hydroponics training project, which contributes to their
economic life:

“the organization has been a great help to us, especially for someone like me who is a
student. For example, they gave me a goat to take care of. If I can raise and multiply it,
it will greatly help with my studies and household expenses” (P2)

Participant 2 emphasized the great opportunities the members enjoyed, highlighting that they
could generate income intended for their studies and increase their savings for their families.
In this case, their participation increases as they gain several organizational benefits. This is
consistent with the findings of Royce (2016), where a combination of self-interest and
community interest determined young people’s perspective on meaningful participation in
community-based programs. The author explained that community projects provided youth
opportunities to network with others from diverse backgrounds safely.

C. Challenges in Participation

The youth members encountered numerous challenges while being involved in their
organization's various programs and activities. Utilizing thematic coding analysis, two
themes arise from the qualitative data: logistical limitations and social engagement issues.

C.1 Theme 1: Logistical Limitations

The finding shows that most youth members' participation is hindered by logistical
limitations such as budgetary constraints, time constraints, conflict of schedule, and distance.
Generally, participation in any activity constitutes a cost, primarily travel or transportation
expenses. Since most youth members are students, non-working, out-of-school youth, and
teens, these individuals only rely on their allowance provided by their parents, siblings, or
even relatives. In effect, the budget for transportation is undoubtedly a concern for them.

As young individuals continue to struggle with their finances, they also struggle with the
responsibilities related to school activities, family concerns, and employment obligations.
School activities such as reviews, examinations, thesis, research works, assignments, and on-
the-job training were among the leading causes of time constraints that hindered them from
participating, as mentioned by Participant 5:

“as a student, there are so many tasks to do in school, like exams, research, and
homework. On top of that, you also have household chores. You're always expected
to help with the tasks at home” (P5)

On the other hand, distance is a barrier for youth members, especially when the activity venue
is far from their home. During the interview, some respondents emphasized that they were
from the upland areas of the City of San Fernando. When the organization scheduled
programs in the inland and coastal regions, the young people in upland barangays were likely
unable to participate due to the distance. For instance, Participant 6 states that:

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“sometimes, the event and activities are held in faraway places. I live in the
mountainous area, sir, and it’s difficult to get a tricycle. There’s no available
transportation, and it’s also expensive since we’re far from the location” (P6)

Upland areas are often limited to public vehicles like tricycles and jeepneys. Youth members
sometimes are forced to hire tricycles to participate in their organization's activities.
However, only a few youth members can do this. While youth members struggle with
transportation, distance, and budget, this study significantly revealed their participation was
still high. This implies that the respondents were trying to participate regardless of their
limitations.

The findings of this study significantly aligned with Systems Theory and Community Youth
Development Theory, which emphasize the interplay between individuals and their broader
social, economic, and structural environments. Systems Theory suggests that youth
participation is influenced by interconnected factors such as financial stability, time
availability, and access to resources. Similarly, Community Youth Development Theory
highlights the importance of providing supportive environments that enable meaningful
youth participation.

Similar to the findings of Suhaimi (2021), financial support for young people remained
challenging to their participation. This suggests that youth organizations should formulate a
strategy that will help their young members increase their savings or income, which can be
used to participate in community development activities. Strengthening partnerships between
CBYOs and local government units can be one of these strategies to improve resource
allocation.

C.2 Theme 2: Social Engagement Issues

The findings of this study indicate that conflicts, disagreements, and lack of commitment
among members are the critical social engagement issues that prevent the youth from being
active participants in the programs, projects, and activities of their organizations. These
issues point to the intricacies involved in group dynamics within CBYOs, highlighting
interpersonal and organizational difficulties.

For instance, participant 2 emphasized that young individuals in their organization often
argued with one another due to their different views and opinions on the projects and
activities to be implemented. As a result, relationships among members were affected,
leading to low participation:

“when we have team members with different attitudes, we often experience

disagreements, sir. Sometimes, it’s due to misunderstandings because we have different
preferences and approaches” (P2)

The cohesiveness needed for effective collaboration can be disturbed by disagreements and
conflicts among the members. These problems could be brought about by different personal
values, priorities, or ways of achieving the organization's goals (Riisla et al., 2021).
According to the youth members, disagreements arose when debate among members started.
This debate often leads to conflict until it becomes a personal attack on one another.
Ronquillo et al. (2023) explained that these tensions increase when there are no mechanisms

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to resolve disputes or neutral ground for open discussion, thus resulting in less enthusiasm
and participation in their organization's programs, projects, and activities. In response, the
Community Youth Development Theory highlighted the crucial role of youth organizations
in equipping young people with conflict management skills, fostering open dialogue, and
creating inclusive environments that encourage active engagement.

Another critical challenge to the participation of youth members is the lack of commitment
of other young people to the organizational programs and activities. The respondents
explained that their multiple responsibilities and obligations brought a lack of commitment
among youth members. However, the youth members asserted that their active involvement
is sometimes influenced by the character and habits of their peers. For instance:

“sometimes, sir, it becomes contagious when others are not active. When only a few
people participate, it feels discouraging. Sometimes we say, 'If they’re not
participating, why should we? (P6)

Participant 6 emphasized that the inconsistent attendance of their co-members affects their
commitment. Hence, it creates a ripple effect, reducing their motivation and sense of
accountability. Systems Theory explains that everything in society, including behaviors of a
particular system, are interrelated and interconnected with one another. This case is often
attributed to the principle of social influence, as people are influenced by the attitudes,
actions, and behaviors of others around them (Laursen & Faur, 2022). The impact of peer
behavior on personal motivation points to the necessity of tactics that promote a constructive
and encouraging culture. In addition to removing obstacles like time limitations, fostering an
atmosphere where participants feel appreciated and inspired is essential to promoting regular
attendance and active involvement (Radu, 2023).

Conclusion
This research emphasized the active participation of Filipino young people in community-
based youth organizations (CBYOs) initiatives towards attaining community development. It
identifies essential themes related to their areas of participation, motivations, and challenges.
Findings show that youth members are notably active in planning and decision-making. While
they engage effectively in implementation, their involvement drops considerably during
monitoring and evaluation. Also, many young members were motivated to contribute to their
community and make a positive difference. In contrast, others were focused on enhancing their
skills, gaining leadership experience, and achieving personal goals.

While young people demonstrate remarkable enthusiasm and active involvement in

community-based youth organizations, their participation is not without challenges. The
challenges young people face include logistical limitations, such as budget, schedule, time,
transportation, and distance, as well as social engagement issues, such as conflicts, lack of
commitment, and disagreements. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a more
supportive environment encouraging sustained youth participation.

This study contributes to the academic literature by expanding knowledge on youth

participation in community-based organizations, particularly in the Philippine context. While
previous research has largely focused on SK-led initiatives, this study sheds light on the
experiences of CBYO members, emphasizing their unique challenges, motivations, and
contributions to community development. Additionally, the study provides practical insights

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for policymakers and practitioners in designing youth engagement programs that are more
inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to young people’s needs.

Based on these conclusions, the researchers recommend that the City Government or
educational institutions in the City of San Fernando hold capacity-building programs to equip
young people with impact assessment and program evaluation skills. The government may
establish mentorship programs where experienced members guide younger members in
evaluating program effectiveness.

Community-based youth organizations may recognize and award the contributions of their
youth members through leadership awards, career development opportunities, and certification
programs. Continuous acknowledgment of contributions and awarding of youth efforts is
highly recommended. CBYOs are also recommended to foster an inclusive and collaborative
environment where both social impact and personal growth are prioritized in organizational
activities. They can encourage continuous engagement among young people by aligning youth
projects with their career and educational aspirations.

Moreover, funding is crucial to the sustainability of participation among young people. To

increase their participation, the City Government may formulate fiscal policy that can support
the financial constraints of young people related to transportation expenses. Grants to
community-based youth organizations and an increase in sources of financial support by
strengthening their collaborations and partnerships with local government units is also
recommended.

Future researchers could expand upon these findings by performing comparative analyses in
various regions of the Philippines to investigate differences in youth participation in
community development as well as the impact of their participation.

Lastly, this research also encourages cooperation among scholars in public administration,
sociology, development studies, and youth studies. Future investigations could expand on these
results by performing comparative studies in different regions of the Philippines to analyze
variations in youth involvement in community development. Further studies on how
government policies, funding mechanisms, and institutional support impact youth operations
and sustainability would be beneficial. Future researchers could also conduct longitudinal
studies investigating how youth engagement changes over time, evaluating the impact of their
participation on their social and economic lives.

Acknowledgment
The authors sincerely thank Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University for the
scholarship grant that facilitated the completion of this study. Gratitude is also expressed to
Mr. Jerome G. Acupan, the Local Youth Development Officer, and the youth members and
leaders of the community-based youth organizations in the City of San Fernando, La Union,
namely: Lupon ng mga Indibidwal na Nangangalaga ng Kalikasan Inc. (LINK); 4-H Club
Federation of the City of San Fernando, La Union; Pag-Asa Youth Association of the
Philippines Inc. – San Fernando Chapter (PYAP); Parish Youth Ministry – Saint William The
Hermit Cathedral (PYM); Gay Association of Youth – Gayyem A Naayat Dagiti Amin (GAY-
GANDA); and Junior Chamber International Saluyot (JCI-Saluyot) for their support and
cooperation during the data gathering process. The authors also acknowledge Prof. Dr.
Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Dr. Dennis Coronacion, Dr. Arlen Ancheta, Dr. Froilan

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Calilung, and Dr. Louie Benedict Ignacio for their expertise, constructive feedback, and
guidance in the completion of this study. Finally, gratitude is extended to Prof. Dr. Jomar L.
Aban for his invaluable support, direction, and encouragement throughout the research process.

Statement of Conflict of Interest

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to declare.

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