Tamaulipas Youth Build Peace & Fight Addiction in National Initiative

Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, is seeing a concerted effort to build safer, healthier communities for its youth. On February 20, 2026, the Instituto de la Juventud de Tamaulipas (INJUVE) participated in the Jornada Nacional de Tequios por la Paz y Contra las Adicciones, a nationwide initiative aimed at preventing substance use and fostering a culture of peace.

A National Initiative, Locally Driven

The Jornada Nacional de Tequios por la Paz y Contra las Adicciones was launched at the federal level by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and is being supported at the state level by Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya. According to Oscar Azael Rodríguez Perales, director general of INJUVE, the programme focuses on coordinating actions across entities to transform the country by encouraging youth participation in activities that strengthen social bonds and prevent violence and addiction.

Did You Know? More than 1,600 young people from eleven Tamaulipas municipalities – Tampico, Madero, El Mante, Ciudad Victoria, Padilla, Soto La Marina, San Fernando, Matamoros, Reynosa, Río Bravo and Gustavo Díaz Ordaz – participated in this effort.

Community Engagement and Action

The initiative involves a range of activities designed to engage young people and improve their surroundings. These include cleaning public spaces, environmental conservation, painting murals, and promoting artistic, recreational, and sporting events. The inaugural event in Tamaulipas took place at the Parque Kings League in Ciudad Victoria, with support from the Secretary of Labor, Luis Gerardo Illoldi Reyes, and representatives from the state’s General Secretariat of Government, Secretariat of Social Welfare, and State Educational Liaison Office.

Expert Insight: This coordinated effort highlights a growing recognition of the importance of preventative measures and community-based solutions in addressing complex social issues like violence and addiction among young people. By actively involving youth in positive activities, the programme aims to build resilience and foster a sense of ownership within communities.

Prior to the main activities, participants engaged in physical activation led by Gerardo Núñez Rodríguez, director and founder of Combate “Último Batallón”. Rodríguez Perales emphasized that the Jornada Nacional de Tequios por la Paz y Contra las Adicciones is a nationwide strategy to promote peace by creating communities free from violence through citizen participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Jornada Nacional de Tequios por la Paz y Contra las Adicciones?

The primary goal is to promote peace and prevent substance use among young people through education, sports, art, and community activities.

Who is leading this initiative at the state level?

Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya is supporting the initiative at the state level.

What types of activities are involved in the Jornada?

Activities include cleaning public spaces, environmental conservation, painting murals, and promoting artistic, recreational, and sporting events.

As this initiative gains momentum, it will be interesting to see how sustained youth engagement and community involvement contribute to long-term positive change in Tamaulipas.