The 15th Annual Youth Congress will take place on July 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Bulwagang Balagtas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Main Campus. This year’s theme, “Sikolohiyang Bakla: Balik sa Ugat, Yakap ang Bukas”, focuses on exploring gender and identity within Filipino psychological discourse.
This one-day event will feature two seminars and one interactive workshop, encouraging participants to examine gender identity, social norms, and mental health through culturally rooted and inclusive discussions. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the LGBTQIA+ experience through the lens of Filipino psychology, or Sikolohiyang Pilipino.
Held annually, the Annual Youth Congress provides a space for students and professionals to discuss societal issues with academic and psychological insight. The event welcomes participants from psychology, education, social work, and allied fields, as well as advocates for gender rights and mental wellness.
“Sikolohiyang Bakla is more than just an academic theme—it’s a celebration and re-examination of our roots as Filipinos and as a diverse people,” said Raven S. Brion, Project Head. “By centering our discourse on gender, we invite our community and media partners to reflect on how culture and identity intersect with mental health.”
The seminars will present expert insights on gender development, identity formation, and societal challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines. The workshop will provide an open, interactive space for participants to engage, reflect, and share experiences in a guided setting.
In support of these efforts, media partners like When In Manila are invited to help raise awareness by covering the event, interviewing speakers, and sharing participant stories. Media presence plays a key role in widening the reach of these advocacy-driven initiatives.
For media passes, interview coordination, and more information, please contact:
Alliah Mae Mercado
AYC Publicity Committee Head
📞 0907 052 0723
📧 mercadoalliahmaet@gmail.com
