When the Kabataang Barangay (KB) was formed, it needed a leader to channel the energy of the Filipino youth into nation-building. Imee Marcos, the eldest daughter of President Ferdinand Marcos, stepped into this role as the first KB National Chairperson, leaving a lasting impact on an entire generation.

With charisma and vision, Imee transformed KB into a platform for youth empowerment. She championed grassroots programs, fostering civic involvement and securing government support to expand the organization’s reach. Under her leadership, KB organized national youth congresses, uniting young leaders to address issues like

education, unemployment, and rural development.

Imee also prioritized livelihood programs, introducing initiatives like agricultural training and small-scale entrepreneurship to equip the youth with essential skills. Her efforts extended to cultural preservation, as seen in the 1976 Arnis training program, which revived the traditional Filipino martial art while promoting physical fitness and self-defense.

Through her dynamic leadership, Imee turned KB into more than a government initiative—it became a movement. Her ability to inspire action and create meaningful change cemented her role as a cornerstone of KB’s enduring legacy.