MEMBERS of the youth group Hirang ng Hiraya took part in the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Youth Conference held on May 23 to 25 at one of the hotels in Cagayan de Oro City, focusing on fostering empathy, peaceful dialogue, and mutual understanding.
Throughout the three-day conference, participants engaged in workshops and activities centered on the four core components of NVC: Observations, Feelings, Needs, and Requests (OFNR).
These foundational principles, taught by trained facilitators, are designed to help young people communicate honestly while remaining empathetic to others' perspectives.
“Why participate in this kind of event when I can just keep doing what I always do? That question echoed in my mind — and at first, it felt valid. But then I realized the words we speak, the way we respond to conflict or pain—they all shape who we are. What I learned in NVC is not just a skill; it’s a way of living with compassion, of listening with intention, of speaking with care,” said Irene Jahn Udtohan, Hirang ng Hiraya’s external team leader.
On the final day, participants explored the ‘Four Ears’ of Nonviolent Communication — a framework that encourages active listening and mutual respect. Organizers emphasized its role in reducing conflict and building stronger interpersonal relationships.
Hirang ng Hiraya, a youth-led group focused on social justice and community building, aims to integrate NVC into their advocacy work.
The organization believes that clear, empathetic communication is essential to building more peaceful and inclusive communities.
“Nonviolent Communication has helped me and our group reflect deeply on how we advocate. This is the kind of change we want to promote—change that builds, not breaks. Because real transformation begins with the words we use and the hearts we choose to speak from,” Udtohan added.
The NVC Youth Conference provided a platform for young leaders to connect, share insights, and explore how compassionate communication can be a powerful tool for peace-building.
