Oriental Mindoro Youth Action Forum: A Step in Making a Difference
November 13, 2006Oriental Mindoro Youth Action Forum: A Step in Making a Difference
Inspire.Inform. Empower. Involve.
Three ‘incredible’ men stepped in the island of Oriental Mindoro to establish a chapter of Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network and Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCJP) at the Divine Word College of Calapan Gym, Calapan City, November 18, 2004.
The event was dubbed “Oriental Mindoro Youth Action Forum.”
Youth serving youth. Voice of the Youth Network (VOTY) is an organization aiming to empower the Filipino youth and tell the world that the youth has a voice that should be heard.
Emilson A. Goco, Regional Task Force Convenor of the National Youth Commission-National Youth Parliament-MIMAROPA, was inspired by the organizations’ goals and principles. With the help of technology, he invited the noble founder of VOTY, Pocholo “Choy” Gonzales to establish a chapter in Oriental Mindoro.
Together with Rommel Brillantes, Provincial Chairman of VOTY Quirino Province Chapter and Al Ian Barcelona, one of VOTY Directors, they selflessly accepted the invitation without expecting for fee and extravagant accommodation. They did not mind the bad weather, instead struggled the typhoon Unding just to reach Calapan City.
Being hospitable hosts, the organizers of the forum, Ruel D. Quinzon, Provincial Youth Development Council Chairman; Rene M. Colocar, DWCC Research, Planning and External Affairs Coordinator, Kathlene Cyrele Cuyas, Or. Mindoro SK Federation President; Emilson A. Goco, NYP Regional Convenor; Larsie Mañibo, Polytechnic College of Calapan Student Council President; Leiffrey Z. Gargullo, The DWCC Gazette Editor-in-Chief; Racquel G. Garcia, The DWCC Gazette Associate Editor and Harvey Pinohermoso of DeMolay, welcomed the three in a casual and simple party.
They enlivened the night with their inspiring yet humorous stories and jokes. Choy, Ian and Rommel said that they are also ordinary young people who enjoy parties and recreations. What made them extraordinary was their genuine intention of serving the youth.
Mission Accomplished. Two hundred fifty (250) Mindoreño youth filled the DWCC Gymnasium on the next day, November 19. They came from different secondary and tertiary schools in Oriental Mindoro but gathered for a cause…for a mission.
“The world is small and life is short. Touch your fellow youth’s heart and feel the spirit within you,” says the noble founder of VOTY, Choy.
He also said that VOTY was created for the youth and to serve the youth because he believes that the meaningful youth participation is about recognizing and nurturing the strengths, interests and abilities of young people by providing them with real opportunities to become involved in decisions that offers young people a chance to develop important decision-making and problem-solving skills, develop meaningful relationships and bolster self-esteem.
Rommel, on the other hand, inspired the participants more by sharing his unforgettable memories and the grandiose opportunities he experienced in VOTY.
In addition, Ian gave emphasis to the present situation of the youth, how they deal with the deteriorated society and their involvement to some unwanted activities. But youth organizations such as VOTY and NCJP can make a difference though they cannot totally stop the youngsters from doing such awful things.
He also introduced the Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCJP) which is founded by an awarded young journalist, Lloyd Luna. He stressed the organization’s goals and objectives and its activities.
Ian and Choy tickled the audience with their talents as they imitated past presidents such as FVR, Erap and GMA and also famous personalities like FPJ and Miriam Defensor Santiago that undoubtedly spiced up the event more.
The event was highlighted by the election of officers of the Chapter. Emilson A. Goco was appointed as the VOTY Chairman while Leiffrey Z. Gargullo was elected as the NCJP Chairman.
The forum aims not only to establish network in Oriental Mindoro but also to promote awareness of the present situation of the society, which the youth currently faces, that needs to be saved and changed.
The success of the affair could be seen in the faces of the participants as they walked out the gymnasium.
The sparks in their eyes say that they were inspired.
The smile on their lips says that they were informed.
The wave of their hands as they bid goodbye to the speakers and organizers says that they were involved.
The experience was really memorable especially for the speakers (Choy, Ian and Rommel). They were trapped in the island because of the typhoon and they were not able to go on the day of the scheduled departure.
Works were pending.
Meetings were postponed.
And angry girlfriend. (Right Kuya Choy?)
But still, these did not matter. The mission was accomplished anyway! Definitely, that was an unforgettable trip.
Beginning the action. The establishment of the chapter of the two organizations in Oriental Mindoro is just a beginning. After the successful yet tiring forum, the group talked about their plans and projects for the future. This is not just a beginning but the intensity of the flame burning inside their hearts will keep on growing and nothing can stop them.
What make these two organizations different from the others is its non-political inclination and the sincere heart for the youth. The enumerable awards they received here and abroad proved that the two youth groups really act.
We can always make a difference.
Whoever you are.
No matter how far you came from.
The threat of the dreaded society is scary and the world needs you.
Let your voice be heard.
Keep inspiring, informing, empowering and involving the Filipino youth.
KABATAAN … JOIN KA DITO! (YOUTH PARTICIPATION)
November 4, 2006OCTOBER 9
KABATAAN … JOIN KA DITO! (YOUTH PARTICIPATION)
Voice Out!
Since we have launched LKTKR, we have talked about different activities and advocacies that every young people should be encouraged to engage into. In just every interest or endeavor, there would always be an organization where the youth can JOIN and PARTICIPATE. This episode is about the importance of Youth Participation and how it affects an individual’s life and the lives of other people towards EMPOWERMENT.
It is apparent that there is an obvious discrepancy between the Filipino youth; few are joiners while most are definitely not. Who else would be the best resource speaker for this topic but the ultimate joiner of youth affairs? VOTY President Pocholo Gonzales.
“Youth participation is a process whereby young people influence, share control and responsibility over decisions, plans and resources that affect them. Participation could be SOCIAL, directly influencing organizations in just any environment or community and POLITICAL, that relates to influencing local, regional, national and international politics. While EMPOWERMENT, gives the youth voice and rights towards changes to their lives.”
According to Choy, the international community, specifically the United Nations is now more than ever, focused on the importance of Youth involvement to the world’s development. Currently, UN is in the process of evaluating the impact of youth policies to each country.
In the history of the Philippines, the youth has always been the frontrunners of societal change, way back in the times of Dr. Jose Rizal, who started his advocacy at early 20s. So why is the youth’s involvement often dismissed? “It’s in the government’s policies and programs for kids, as early as elementary education” Choy says.
An ordinary student life strictly focuses on academics and not on the participation outside of school. It is a fact that most of what are being taught in school just goes in and out of a student’s memory, but through active participation, young people would understand more and see the real situation of the country. Through participation, young people could utilize their talents to change whatever they think needed change.
But where do the students, these young people go to be able to participate, to be able to accomplish the change they aspire for? This is where VOTY and LKTKR come in – dissemination of information. “How would the youth participate in government and private programs if they don’t even know the existence of these programs in the first place?” Sometimes, information does not reach the youth because they are confined to a selected few. “If all Filipino youth are properly informed and inspired, they would most probably be involved.”
To put it candidly, there are many traditional youth or traditional way of life of people; these are those who went to school, finished studies, got a good job and raised a family. Although not necessarily a bad thing, there is still a more empowered way of life. “The sad reality is that, young people are becoming apathetic but they just need guidance, someone who would tap their interest and find a place, a venue for it.”
BILIB KAMI SA’YO!
Maria Gisella Orinion, 20-year-old Philosophy student from UP Diliman, shares her experiences as a “Youth Joiner”. Gisella admits that she comes from a “traditional” family. Her parents are not as encouraging when it comes to extra-curricular activities and would rather have her concentrate on studies. Gisella’s inclination to participate in youth affairs started during high school summer where there was a housing project in a their baranggay, where the youth are encourage to build shelters. At first, her parents and even friends discouraged her. “There comes a point in a student’s life, where you want to reach out and get out of the box.” At the end, Gisella even encouraged her friends to join her, and they enjoyed it as well. Last elections, Gisella was a NAMFREL (National Movement for Free Elections) volunteer, a voting manager. It was a tough job, staying up until five in the morning and juggling schedules over classes. Not only did she witness the active participation of the youth, Gisella also saw how fraudulent the election went. She was disappointed, but it was indeed an eye-opener for her. Gisella considers herself as a late-bloomer for youth affairs, but there’s still enough time and it’s still not too late.
Christopher Bernardo; considers his first major participation while in Grade 4; in a Balagtasan contest. He then realized that “when a person doesn’t use his talent, it fades away.” He was lucky enough to have participated in such school programs, although it was quite unfair that only the selected few students get that chance every now and then. Christopher is a self-confessed introvert but through VOTY, he realized his innate interest for youth programs. He believes that through the Internet, young people should get the right information where they could get involved and encourage others to participate as well, instead of the usual use of the technology for merely entertainment purposes.
BILIB KAMI SA’YO REPORT!
Congratulations to Miguel Antonio Garcia, 16, of Cebu Normal University for bagging the first prize in the individual category and to Dexter Jayrald Catambay of St. Albert the Great School for the second prize in the group category of the 2nd ASEAN Quiz Regional Finals held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam from September 28 to 29.
Alexis Ian dela Cruz of the Cavite National Science High School is also a part of the Philippine Team.
They were chosen from among hundreds who took a series of examinations on ASEAN during the national round in the Philippines last July.
Garcia took home 700 dollars while Catambay got 300 dollars.
“The ASEAN Quiz, a project of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information, is a competition on knowledge about ASEAN. It aims to elicit the spirit of friendly competition among ASEAN youth in a quiz game that exposes them to ASEAN cultural, political, economic, and social information. The project also aims to raise the level of public awareness of ASEAN within the country as well as in the region.” Source: www.inq7.net
JOIN KA DITO!
October 20, 2004 - National Anti Poverty Commission holds “Pulong Kabataan Laban sa Kabataan” for the student and youth sector at the Department of Interior and Local Government Building, Quezon City. Topic is about the Medium Term Development Plan for 2005 – 2010 and Medium Term Youth Development Plan for 2005 – 2010. Gary Lazaro is the Representative of Youth and Student sector of NAPC. (gary.lazaro@lycos.com)
To students who are interested to study abroad especially in the United Kingdom, contact 914-1011.
Hands on Manila holds its search for best student volunteer through “Big Hearts Wanted – Change the world through Volunteerism”. Awarding is on October 24.
YAN ANG EDITORYAL!
Al Ian Barcelona is a witness to the almost inexhaustible energy and drive of a lot of young people to volunteer and participate in many programs and activities. But the problem that really affects the force of the youth is “crisis in confusion” – financial, leadership, moral and cultural crisis, all scrambled. This social confusion overshadows the achievements and positive side of the youth.
Ian believes that the beginning of empowerment is involvement and participation, but the first virtue should be volunteerism. The youth’s motivation should be “to serve but not to expect something in return”. The youth should start volunteering themselves, and someday they will reap the best and contribute to nation building.
Choy believes that one benefit of participation is the connection you get with people who in the future could help in your advocacy.
For Chay Dionco, the elderly should give the best resources for the youth. Because only through this, they could really handle what the future holds for the country. Lloyd Luna believes that the most credible sector to encourage participation among the youth is the youth as well.
CHANGE IN EDUCATION CURRICULUM?
Peace Works – People Engaged in Active in Community Experience Works
Most of the old curriculums are imposing especially in College:
Solution - Revitalized General Education Program where Students are free to choose GE in every field SocSci and Philo, Math, Science, Humanity
Principals should accept change. - Peace - out – Emsie
GOING FOR NATURE!
OUR EPISODES SO FAR
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 2: GOING FOR NATURE!
(PANGANGALAGA NG KALIKASAN, LIKAS PA BA SA KABATAAN?)
Voice Out!
Who else would inherit our Mother Earth in the future but the Youth? In time for the celebration of World Animal Month and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, what would be the best way to welcome October but to Voice Out about the Youth taking care of Nature?
JOIN KA DITO!
So, where should our young environmentalist and nature crusaders go? MyZoo Volunteers Foundation and the Center for Environmental Awareness and Education (CEAE) are just the perfect organizations for you.
Joining LKTKR from Myzoo is Mr. Andrew Galang, 23, vice – president. Myzoo volunteer center is currently stationed at the rescue center in Quezon City and plans to branch out around rescue centers and zoos the country. In 2000, young professionals Kitty Arce and Cathy Chua founded Myzoo Volunteer foundation after realizing the need to change the system of Zoos in the country. Andrew points out the importance of the educational program that should be implemented in zoos. These animal sanctuaries after all are not here for entertainment and display purposes only but for education. Zoo-goers should be given proper orientation for them to realize the importance of animals because sometimes, people make mockery out of these creatures.
Among the most successful programs of Myzoo is “Zoo to You”, where their volunteers have already toured more than a hundred schools nationwide. They bring to schools “travel exhibits” or live animals indigenous and endemic to the Philippines. Through their effort of bringing these animals, kids get to understand more about them. They even got to bring these exhibits to blind kids who were very much delighted. Andrew believes that our indigenous animals and not only those coming from foreign lands should be re-introduced to the youth.
Myzoo has more than a hundred volunteers with about 30 regular members. The group was awarded as one of the TAYO or Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in 2003. They get strong support from Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Everyone who are willing to commit to the cause for animals and make a change, contact Myzoo Office at 364 – 2469 or text Andrew at 09177960740.
Joining us from Center for Environmental Awareness and Education (CEAE) is Froilan Grate, 21, director for communications. Founded in Cebu by a professor in Southwestern University in 1999, the goal of CEAE is to cultivate environmental awareness for students. CEAE has created two programs or curriculums: Project WET, Water Education for Teachers, which tackles water issues on pollution and management and Project Learning Tree, that tackles on biodiversity and forest issues.
Their approach is to tap into teachers and non – formal educators who are willing to implement their programs and to be able to reach out to more students all over the country. The challenge for environmental education is to get the attention and interest of the youth. Their programs are multi-disciplinary; they incorporate environmental issues like pollution to Mathematics and water management to Physical Education.
CEAE has two forms of memberships; teachers and educators from the government, private sectors and volunteer college students who are willing to give their time during weekends. The young volunteers often go to Museong Pambata where they teach street children about environmental issues. Froilan believes that environmental awareness should start at the grass root level especially to kids. CEAE has over 2000 educator volunteers; about 50 go on tour.
CEAE office is located at 18 Granada St. Gilmore Heights, Quezon City with telephone numbers 7217360 and website, www.ceae.org.
What pushed Froilan to join, CEAE? He just woke up one day and realized he needs to do something aside from going to school and going home afterwards. So he looked for orgs where he could join, and found himself supporting environmental cause.
BILIB KAMI SA’YO!
Cynthia “Chay” Dionco, VOTY Director for Children’s Affairs, is not only a social worker for kids but an environmentalist as well. She’s taught human development and when she moved to Cabriba alternative school, she worked on people engaged in active community experience. Then she worked for Bantay Kalikasan and advocacy officer for Bantay Usok and eventually, Bantay Bata Foundation. She took Human Ecology in UP.
Chay, as a child has always been a teacher at heart, and her goal is to create a positive influence for the next generation. As a teacher and youth advocate, Chay believes that the best we could offer to children is education and the practical use of it, especially when it comes to environment.
In Bantay Usok, Chay handled the text program for the smoke belching vehicles. According to Chay, there should be ten trees for every vehicle to compensate and balance the ecosystem.
YAN ANG EDITORYAL!
TAKE IT FROM THE YOUTH EXPERTS IN ENVIRONMENT!
Andrew says that Filipinos should realize the diversity of animals found only in the country. Once these animals lost their habitat, they’re lost forever. According to the law, wild animals should not also be kept as domesticated pets and everyone should follow the law. There are also problems when it comes to Filipinos craving for exotic food like cobras that create imbalance to the ecosystems.
Froilan believes that one of the most pressing problems is the lack of interest of the people when it comes to environment. There are so many young people who would care about the life and relationship of showbiz personalities and yet not care about nature. We don’t even know that there are 526 species of birds in the country and half of them are native, most of them threatened and endangered. Population is also a big issue for the environment. It is a huge factor for illegal logging and urban development that transforms wetlands to subdivisions.
Simple tips? Froilan suggests using glass when brushing teeth because 6 billion gallons of water are being wasted. There is a huge shortage of water in the country. Chay believes that early on parents should inculcate animal interest to kids. Even domesticated animals should really be taken care of. Choy believes that the simplest thing to do of every individual yet could have huge impact is to avoid littering, that has been a successful discipline program in Marikina city.
SIDELIGHTS!
Another youth advocate that would truly inspire everyone is 18 - year old, Peter Paul Baltazar, a very active VOTY coordinator and SK councilor of Brgy. Pasolo Valenzuela City. His physical condition has not hindered him to give service to his fellow youth. He is also a member of KAPANALIG, (Kabataang Pilipino Aktibong Nagkakaisa Laban sa Ipinagbabawal na Gamot) which engages in regular Anti-drug and Leadership training all throughout the nation.
RIBYU SA RADYO!
Recommended movies for Environmental Advocacy, Brother Bear; Spirit the Stallion of Cimarron; Finding Nemo, Sharks Tale, and Two Brothers. TV shows and documentaries, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet. Places: Butterfly farms in Marikina and Katipunan, Avilon Zoo in Montalban, Malabon Zoo and Manila Zoo.
In the Face of Youth Unemployment
AUGUST 28, 1200 – 1300 HRS
EPISODE 5
In the Face of Youth Unemployment
Voice Out!
Early unemployment of our young people is a perennial problem that could cause damage to their professional and personal lives and also bring harmful repercussions to the nation as well. According to the study, “PROBLEMS FACED BY YOUNG FILIPINO WORKERS” authored by Jimeno Damaso to the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and International Confederation of Free Trade Unions-Asian and Pacific Regional Organisation, half of the unemployed workers in the country belong to the age bracket of 15 to 24 years old. There are already 1.7 million young Filipinos that are out of school and out of job. International statistics also show that there are more unemployed college graduates than those who did not finish their education. According to International Labour Organization, there are 88 million unemployed youth worldwide. To quote ILO Director General Juan Somavia, “The energy and talent of the most educated youth the world has ever seen is being wasted”.
For this episode, we were fortunate to have two very reliable and intelligent guest resource speakers and youth employment advocates. First is Ms. Catherine Kamping, of Save Me Movement, founder of Philippine Youth Employment Network (PYEN) and former Secretary General of Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly. Second is Ms. Manuela Longgo, Italian Representative from the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (UNMDG).
Catherine said that there are a lot of factors to be taken into consideration when it comes to youth unemployment. One of them is that there is a big gap when it comes to the requirement of the labor force and the capacity of young people in relation to the available quality of education and training before they become part of the labor force, as well as the capacity of the labor force to absorb our new graduates.
“The pressing challenge is to lower the unemployment rate and provide young people employment or alternative livelihood if the labor force could not really absorb all the graduates, taking into consideration the out of school youth.”
The main thrust of PYEN is to create synergy among the stakeholders and to mediate between the different initiatives of the government and NGO’s here and at the international level to create additional employment or facilitate alternative livelihood for young people. Before Catherine ended her term, PYEN achieved in organizing the different stakeholders together and they created an action plan to promote employment through training, conventions and build partnership for young people to access resources they need.
Catherine just came from Egypt as one of the Philippine Representatives for the Youth Employment Summit that was attended by youth organizations and leaders worldwide. The main goal was to provide alternative livelihood for the young people by 2012 with the target of about 500 million.
We should stop blaming one another. We need to establish adult – youth partnership, among these young people who needed employment and among those who can provide employment. We should view young people not as “pabigat” for the country but as resources that we need to tap and capacitate.
Manuela Longgo of the UNMDG shared with us the un-evident yet the same serious problem of the high Youth Unemployment Rate in Italy, despite being a developed country. The labor demand is lesser than what educated and skilled people could offer. Very specialized people settle for low salaries even if they got the job they should have. The market is rigid and there is not much exchange and openness for the youth. In the Philippines, Manuela says, there is more problem in the system organization. There are a lot of people who are very educated and skilled and there are a lot of possibilities for employment. The challenge is the creation of partnership and multi-partnership between government, private and civic sector. The social and service sector like the environmental functions could also provide employment.
This is also the first time Al Ian Barcelona joined us in the studio and shared his insights. He pointed out the Filipino Social - Cultural Mindset that has to be corrected. As a college professor for three years, Ian has always stressed that education is more than a ticket for a blue-collar job someday. Also, unemployment could be reduced to employment. This is the opportunity for the Filipino Youth to aim not only for employment after graduation but also for business or entrepreneurship that could also provide jobs for others.
According to Manuela, there is a program of the International Labour Organization to facilitate and build up the youth business sector and employment.
Every one of us also shared our own experiences and difficulties in looking for jobs. Kristin and Suzette attributed God’s grace to help her land her official first job, here in DZME. Jeif suggests employers should not make it too stiff for the young graduates to land the jobs they are qualified for and provide at least a six-month performance evaluation. In our RIBYU SA RADYO segment, Jeif shares the difficulty of looking for jobs even in web sites suited for that purpose.
We are all hopeful that the young Filipinos would find the jobs they really want; go for their passion and where they’re good at and make a living out of it. Lloyd and Ian reiterated the adage “Opportunities come not only for those who wait but for those who seize them.”
Bilib Kami Sa’yo!
Being a singer is a career that young Filipinos are very much involved in. 18 year-old Clarisse King from the sing and dance girl group KeeKkayz (Dyna Music Philippines) was our featured guest.
At age 9, Clarisse was a radio voice talent and started singing at contests. For five years she was part of the defunct TV show Pen Pen de Sarapen (with Sarah Geronimo) where she was a five – week champion. (She even sang a portion of one of her winning peace, Anak ng Pasig). She shared with us the hardships of going through auditions and even the uncertainty of the showbiz career. It was fortunate for her to be once again be given a break, by becoming one of the Keekkayz, a more wholesome girl group who gave us the song Daisy Otso, among other novelty dances. Clarisse assures that she would re-enroll next year on a college communication course. Clarisse was interviewed by Jeif and Kristin.
NEW FACES IN POLITICS…IS THE YOUTH STILL WILLING TO BECOME A POLITICIAN?
EPISODE 6 LKTKR
SEPTEMBER 4 2004
NEW FACES IN POLITICS…
IS THE YOUTH STILL WILLING TO BECOME A POLITICIAN?
VOICE OUT:
Politics has already been stigmatized with dirty money, character assassinations, crime and corruption. The government has failed to change this image, and it is unfortunate that the media has magnified negative politics overshadowing our true public servants and sincere government officials. With this imagery and dilemma, how could any aspiring politician be encouraged to embark on this career, this profession and advocacy?
Early politics for kids could start from the school, as class to student council president. Outside of school, Sangguniang Kabataan SK would be the first step in politics, until they go to the highest rank in baranggay level.
Pocholo believes that there are only two types of politicians. One is good and the other is bad. To start with, a politician should have a positive orientation as a youth. He stressed that most SK councils today face crisis because of the intrusion of the older or senior leaders in the local government, where their funds come from. Children of mayors and other officials also dominate the SK, although it may not necessarily be a bad thing, the practice deprives other deserving young people to become involved in government projects.
But as an eternal optimist for our young nation, Choy believes that there would still be a positive change in the image of Philippine Politics.
BILIB KAMI SA’YO!
To start this positive change, we invited the recorded youngest baranggay chairman at age 25. He is Chairman Dominic Flores, of Brgy. Pansol, Balara Quezon City, also a teacher on-leave in Miriam College Grade School. During his elementary days, Dominic is already a PRO of the baranggay council and eventually, he was elected as SK Chairperson at fourth year high school. He continued his involvement in different outreach organizations in the University of the Philippines, namely UP Sandigan, UP Green League and UP Pahinuhod. He ran for Baranggay Kagawad and was elected number 1 councilor.
Dominic believes that even as a young person, he could create change in the community through his idealism, principles and political will. His family is in full support of his current post, despite the fact that he became a successor after the former captain passed away due to a criminal incident.
The immediate challenge for Dominic is to bridge and unite the factions that resulted after the death of the past chairman. To resolve this problem, Dominic has become very consultative in the community. He calls on every concerned individual and mediates on the issue without any bias. Through this balancing act, he gained the trust and respect of the people although most of them are older than him.
Brgy. Pansol is the only town with speakers on every post where Dominic gives announcements and public address especially during their weekly forums. Dominic also works even on Sundays and he finds particular days to hold office regularly even in distant areas to provide closer service to his kabaranggays.
His programs for the youth include launching computer literacy programs and satellite libraries to different areas in the community to enhance their talent and skills. To fight illegal – drugs, the baranggay finds creative ways and coordinates with the authorities. He plans to implement no-loitering scheme for young people from 10 pm to 4 am. For his greater constituents, he’s forming a taskforce for pabahay or housing, land and water supply, the basic needs of the people.
Talk about his personal life, Dominic admits that he has dedicated his time to service unlike the common youth. Although not really the outgoing type, he still manages to hang out with friends.
His campaign Discipline First or DF is the ultimate legacy he wants to impart for the people.
JOIN KA DITO!
KAMPUS MAG, truly a one of its kind magazine dedicated for the voice of educators and students. Ritchie Orario, its publisher and editor, says that most youth – oriented magazines available commercially are focused on entertainment and pop culture. He observed that many young people are interested in celebrity and picture filled - magazines but don’t necessarily buy them.
Ritchie, a journalist and professors, also handles the CCM school organ. He says that there are almost no available magazines dedicated for teachers and students unlike showbiz and political publications.
What’s the edge of Kampus Mag? The magazine also features youth organizations through League of Extraordinary Groups of LXG. The mag balances student and teacher issues and views. They give the Universities and Colleges a chance to promote their institutions and activities for free. Not only that, the featured universities get five pesos for every copies sold. The magazine also promotes balance campus journalism and free press, a huge issue nowadays in school publications. They would also publish researches conducted by educators and other student and youth policies unknown to the public.
Kampus Mag, is a once a month publication was launched January 2004 and costs only 30 pesos, available in all National Bookstores.
Joining Ritchie in the program were volunteer coordinators and staff, Analyn Gabion, third year Masscom student from City College of Manila, Rolan Jeffrey Decena, coordinator of Kampus Mag and President of Young Mass Communicators Society of CCM, Kenneth John Montagrande, one of the editors and reporter of Tanod newspaper.
RIBYU SA RADYO!
F. Sionil Jose’s Collection of Novels: THE ROSALES SAGA relives and immortalizes the Philippine politics, culture and history. Recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1980 and 2001 National Artist Award, the Rosales Saga is an epic story coursing to “Po-on”, “Tree”, “My Brother My Executioner”, “The Pretenders” and “Mass”. It is the ultimate series to awaken every Filipino’s sense of nationalism and patriotism. It is the Filipino Life unfolding in every page and every word.
It is just unfortunate that our educational system focuses on foreign and western literature that many students, even after finishing college become oblivious of these written works of art, these gems and treasures of the Filipino culture and heritage.
YAN ANG EDITORYAL!
Al Ian Barcelona believes we should admit that there is an ongoing leadership crisis in the country especially in the moral and political credibility of the leaders. Filipinos are usually politically aware, participative and mature, only during election season. But political development and education should continue towards a strengthened democratic system.
For Ian, the major factor that would discourage the youth to engage in politics is the present situation of the country, the lack of unity. The Filipino culture made the youth become always in search for role models, icons and idols. But so far, these charmers and idols in politics just made matters worst.
“Everything rises and falls in leaderships” as John Maxwell put it.
But the leadership alone could not solve the problems and it’s the right time for the youth and student leaders to face this challenge through active involvement and participation. This is the Voice of the Youth, this is LKTKR. RECHARGE!!!
EPISODE 6 LKTKR
SEPTEMBER 11, 2004
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION!!!
VOICE OUT:
In every episode of LKTKR, we have been indirectly pushing for Volunteerism, after all, the Voice of the Youth Network and the people behind this radio program work out of pure volunteerism and advocacy. Most of our previous guests started out as volunteers and they still are in big and simple ways, the Heroes of our generation.
According to the US – based United Way Volunteer Center, young people spend 2.4 billion hours every year to volunteer as part of their school curriculum. When it comes to the fruit of one’s labor, money is out of the question, because the rewards of volunteerism are absolutely priceless.
As the Philippines face crisis in just every aspect of the society, the Spirit of Volunteerism is just what we need, the answer to all these problems. Filipino Youth, would you take the Real Challenge?
BILIB KAMI SA MGA VOLUNTEERS!!!
For this episode, we have invited two different organizations serving the same advocacy of promoting volunteerism, Hands On Manila Foundation, Inc. and Ivolunteer.ph.
Our resource speaker, Lisa Crisostomo, executive director, explains HOM as a non-profit organization that recruits, educates and coordinates with new volunteers to help them find different organizations to work with. To date, HOM is affiliated with 47 organizations and foundations welcoming everyone who is willing to dedicate a small amount of time and effort to help others. So far, HOM have had 3000 volunteers.
Most of the volunteers of HOM are young professionals who could spare at least one or half of their free day. The students who go to HOM are required through the National Service Training Program (as replacement to ROTC) of universities. NSTP gives young people the first exposure to volunteerism. Their experience would teach them that volunteerism is worthwhile, not difficult, and definitely not boring because of the fulfillment they get in return. Young people could be with their peers and friends as suppose to the usual gimmicks and activities. Usually, volunteers get attach to the people they help and that’s what makes them go back.
Few of HOM projects include feeding to children, tutorial to kids in shelters, environmental activities and outreach to the sick available to their NGO affiliates. People could choose from any of their interests and any of the organizations where they would fit.
Lisa stresses that volunteerism doesn’t require financial capability to take part of this cause, just free time and willingness.
HOM invites everyone to its anniversary on October 24 at the NBC tent in the Fort, Makati where the awarding of Change the World through Volunteerism would be held. Anyone interested to join HOM is required to attend to one – hour monthly orientation. The contact numbers are 843-7044 – 843-5231.
iVolunteer.ph is the Philippines' First Volunteerism Portal. iVolunteer.ph seeks to promote volunteerism for social development by harnessing the power and reach of the Internet. iVolunteer.ph provides web-based facilities for non-stock and non-profit organizations to post volunteer opportunities in a intelligently-searcheable database for FREE! Interested volunteers can then conveniently browse these volunteer opportunities (vopp) by issue/cause, location, duration, and other parameters — all at the convenience of their desktops. Online sign-up facilities are provided or volunteers may make arrangements with participating organizations directly. Some of the people behind www.ivolunteer.ph graced the studio, Ms. Deanie Ocampo, Mark Ruiz, Regnard Raquedan, and Ms. Ritchie Magpayo.
Ritchie explains the three major features of the website include Volunteer Matching, where people could sign up to organizations; Resources on Volunteerism, where they can read articles, stories and events; Referral Service through the online e-groups where 600 individual volunteers are signed up to share information.
According to Deanie, iVolunteer was launched 3 years ago, during the country’s crisis with the toppled administration. Until now, newspapers and media have become too pessimistic. Their motivation is to do something that creates a positive cycle and that would encourage and give hope to the Filipinos. Through the website, individual volunteers tell their inspiring stories and experiences from simple to “grand work”, from a student visiting cancer patients to a MILF rebel returnee that started community development programs.
Mark says that iVolunteer recognizes that all sectors should come together and share the advocacy, from private, government and youth sectors. iVolunteer is like a “Friendster” on volunteerism where the supply and demand for volunteers meet.
Regnard, the Webmaster, plans to improve functionalities and the design of the site to adhere to standards. Through the Internet, people are no longer bounded by physical location. But the project itself faces challenges, because of the fact that less than 1/3 of Filipino homes have Internet access and many people are still computer illiterate. But they try to harness and maximize the available resources.
A special section of the site features the stories of different volunteers about their inspiring experiences. Deanie says that this is their way to give recognition to these unsung heroes overshadowed by too much negative news in media. These stories range from interaction with cancer patients to rebel returnees that help community programs.
This December, iVolunteer, would celebrate Volunteer Month where they would hold Volunteer Recognition Night. They plan to have a weeklong celebration of volunteers.
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Pocholo Gonzales (Voice of the Youth Network), Al Ian Barcelona (Philippine Youth Sphere) and Lloyd Luna (Network of Campus Journalist of the Philippines), gave a live report from Hotel Supreme Baguio City, with the leadership training of 162 Sangguniang Kabataan chairman and 15 SK Kagawad of Pasay City.
Greg Paulo, Pasay SK Federation President, says that they have been holding this seminar for the third year. This year, it’s about Team Building and leadership seminar. These seminars would greatly change the attitude and service of SK members. Andrea of Baranggay 58, Zone 7, promises that they would practice everything they have learned from the seminar. Luz of Baranggay 164, Zone 18, is just overwhelmed with the training. Christian learned more about himself and the purpose of his life. Greg Paulo thanks Pasay DILG, City Account and Mayor Pee Wee Trinidad for the success of the training.
YAN ANG EDITORYAL!
In the face of crisis and difficulties, what the Philippines needs right now are VOLUNTEERS. There is a renewed call for volunteerism to help the government and to help the nation. There is a need to celebrate and recognize these ordinary people who are willing to give part of their selves for the country through development work. And LKTKR would be more than welcome to honor these young volunteers, these everyday heroes that we should all look up to and would someday, really change the world by affecting an individual’s life.
“Why is the Philippines Poor?”
AUGUST 21, 1200 – 1300 HRS
EPISODE 4
KAHIRAPAN NG PILIPINAS: ATING PAG-USAPAN!
“Why is the Philippines Poor?”
Voice Out! The question, “Bakit nga ba mahirap ang Pilipinas?” just popped out in one of the gathering of people in Malacanang palace during the International Youth Day. So we decided to talk about the prevailing poverty in the country for Saturday’s episode back on our original timeslot, 12 – 1PM. Days after the program, no less than President Gloria Arroyo declares and admits that the “country is at the midst of a fiscal crisis”. Talk about foresight.
With the data from National Statistical Coordination Board (thanks to Ms. Redencion Ignacio), we got to know how a family or a person falls below the poverty line. In year 2002, a family of five needed Php 4961 a month to acquire basic needs. The latest figures show that in the year 2000, there are 26.5 million poor individuals in the country.
Bilib Kami Sa’yo: We paid tribute to Redford Diquiros and Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Unfortunate death is not the only thing they have in common. Both of them have shown the fullest brilliance of their youth and served as an inspiration for their fellows. Redford, was the District 3790 Rotaract Representative covering Ilocos to Cordillera Region. He was an exceptional and passionate servant leader, who was never really recognized. But his greatest achievement as a youth leader was to bring the first ever contingent of United Nations to Cavite to showcase the activeness of the Youth. As a friend and colleague, he exemplified the strength of spirit. Days prior to this broadcast, Redford died of Leukemia. He never told the truth to his peers, for them not to worry. During his last moment and with his last ounce of strength, Redford wrote, “wag n’yo akong i-embalsamo, ipacremate nyo ako,” to show that he was ready to go. Thank you Pocholo and Michael Noel Tolentino of Rotar Act Club East Rover Paranaque (Youth Arm of Rotary Club) for sharing your personal encounters with Redford.
Who wouldn’t know of Ninoy’s wit, intelligence, bravery and heroism? But before all that, Ninoy was also a young student taking his chances in journalism. His first attempt at fifteen years of age, he was dumped. Thanks to Max Soliven. (Source: Good-bye Superboy! Farewell to the last Romantic). But the confidence of youth exuded until Ninoy became the youngest war journalist correspondent in Korea. Not to mention the youngest politician and government official during his time. After that, as they say, the rest is history.
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Kristianong Kabataan Para sa Bayan Movement (KKB)
Al Ian Barcelona gave a live report on the ongoing planning and leadership meeting the Kristianong Kabataan Para sa Bayan Movement. KKB, sixteen years ago was founded by Bro. Eddie Villanueva. The current chairman of KKB is CIBAC partylist Representative Joel Villanueva. It is a Christian youth movement whose mission is to inspire the youth to live for Christ and to offer the pioneers of their lives to God and Country. The youth should have true service for God to be able to serve the country.
Ian is the director for external affairs of KKB. They are currently focused on school evangelism and youth fellowship. KKB is also involved in nation building, outreach and educational programs as part of their thrust in youth empowerment and recharging. To date, there are 30,000 members of KKB nationwide aside from its international chapter, Christian Youth for the Nations. The vision of KKB is to become a dynamic youth movement transforming young people worldwide through the full Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for righteousness and excellent leadership in the Church and the Nation. The national headquarters of KKB could be reached through the telephone 736-5559, while its youth center is located at the 4th floor of Alpha Building Gastambide St. Sampaloc Manila.
Rotar Act Club (Youth Arm of Rotary Club)
Michael Noel Tolentino of Rotar Act Club East Rover Paranaque re-introduced to us the Youth partners in service of the Rotary International whose membership ranges from 18 to 30 years of age. Every individual and youth orgs who want to make a difference is encouraged to join the Rotar Act clan. Rotary International could help fulfill projects through their resources and sponsorship. The four avenues of service of the organization are vocational and professional, club, community and the international service. Contact local rotary clubs to sponsor your group just commit your activeness in return or log on to their website www.rotarctrover.tripod.com.
The First Philippine National Rotar Act Convention will be held at Baguio Cap convention center on January 21 to 23, 2005. All youth organizations are invited. Michael just came from HongKong for the Asia Pacific Regional Rotar Act Conference and even the international chapters have committed for the upcoming event.
VOTY is proud to announce that we have grabbed the Global Youth In Action Award (GIAN Award) 2004 from ten thousand applicants all over the world. VOTY is once again recognized as one of the best youth organizations worldwide. VOTY goes hand in hand with New York based - GIAN whose main thrust is to provide information and opportunities for the Youth and to encourage them to believe that their ideas can become reality.
Ribyu sa Radyo:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – was not a commercial success in the local box office but definitely a must-see movie of the year. Not only for the sheer value of the actors (Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, and Elijah Wood) but also for it’s innovation in story telling.
Book Review: The Little Prince by Antoine de St. Exupery. The perfect book for starters, for it’s simplicity and innocence yet profound messages.
Editorial:
So why are we poor? Suzette was quick to blame Corruption in Government, wrong tax collection scheme, which is unanimously agreed upon by your Katinigs. Pocholo said a huge chunk of government funds and debts just go to corruption. For Lloyd, “an individual doesn’t see his personal prosperity as the prosperity of the nation as a whole”.
But we also agreed that “blaming” would not alleviate poverty. In hindsight, we are really responsible for one another.
What is the youth supposed to do? Choy says “kung ano ang ginagawa ng Kabataan ngayon, yun ang pundasyon sa kinabukasan. That’s why, we should make the most out of it.” Jeif suggests that young professionals should live by their means and must not aspire immediately for fat salaries. Michael quotes the adage “Hindi kasalanan ang ipanganak nang mahirap, ngunit kasalanan ang mamamatay ng mahirap”.
The challenge of this LKTKR episode is for the youth not to become a part of the poverty statistics and to consider their individual success as the success of the nation as well.
- Peace out - Emsie
VOTY NETWORK OLD RADIO REPORT
LAKAS KABATAAN – TINIG KABATAAN: RECHARGED!
OUR EPISODES SO FAR
MONTH OF AUGUST
AUGUST 7 EPISODE 2
1700 – 1800 HRS
SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOL… IS IT ABOUT TIME?
The first Saturday of August is the official kick-off of LKTKR after its soft launching on July 31. The past week’s news was all about family planning and population control. And, yes, the brightest (or otherwise) ideas came from our “august” Congress and the series of debates that followed was inevitable. 2 – child policy, 5 – year moratorium on being pregnant, don’t get married ‘til you’re 40… talk about comic relief amidst a potential catastrophe.
Seriously, the solution of the country’s future population status is in the Youth’s hands, and it must start as soon as NOW. Proper information from appropriate (or should we say, professional) sources about Sex and its Consequences is in demand to STOP the Cycle of ignorance and irresponsibility. So, are we prepared for a formal Sex Education in Schools? Would this create a breakthrough we’re looking for or would just end up as a classic debate? VOICE OUT!!!
BILIB KAMI SA’YO Francis Dela Cruz – our First featured guest. Okay, he’s no longer young, but his mind certainly is. Who would have thought that a person with autism would finish 3 College courses? Francis now works in Centro Escolar University library. This is a living testimony that the unfaltering support and perseverance of parents to their child would overcome all Odds and make all things Possible. Thank you to the parents of Francis for just being there with him all the way to INSPIRE the young and the old alike. Thanks to Jeif Grande for bringing Francis.
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Well, we should’ve joined with VOTY officers Choy and Lloyd who just came back from different parts of the world to represent our country’s young minds. Choy just got back from Australia where the Oxfam Youth Parliament was held while Lloyd was fresh from Bangkok Thailand for the world’s AIDS summit. Meanwhile, VOTY was just itching to take part in the 5th International Youth Day Celebration, jumpstarting on August 12. No less than the Malacanang palace was the venue for the formal opening of the 3-day event. We’re looking forward to more of these activities to totally Inspire, Inform and Involve the Filipino Youth.
Time really flies fast when you’re having fun. What’s next for LKTKR? It’s up to you guys to find out!
– Peace Out - Emsie
AUGUST 14, 1700 – 1800 HRS
EPISODE 3
YOUTH ACTIVISM: Artificiality or Advocacy?
Young people have always been involved with the defining moments of the country’s political changes. The 2001 People Power Revolution is probably the highest point of youth activitism in recent history. Every now and then, students march in the streets and even in campus corridors to voice out and to show force for whatever they are supporting or fighting against.
But, is there a thin line between artificiality and advocacy when it comes to youth activism? What are the risks? Do we show patriotism if we take part of mass actions and demonstrations? Or, would it be better to become silent observers and workers? VOICE OUT!
Thank you to Cris Reyes, Secretary General of the League of Filipino Students for the interview. We are together in pushing what would benefit the students.
As for Voice of the Youth Network and your Katinig in LKTKR, we are PRO-ACTIVE. We take a stand and just do it, not by taking it to the streets but by Youth Empowerment and creating awareness in important social issues.
JOIN KA DITO! LKTKR’s first LIVE REPORT of Lloyd Luna and Al Ian Barcelona, on-site and straight from Laguna. You could just feel the RECHARGED energy of the 70 participants of the Leadership Training Seminar of the School of Tourism, Family Economics, Nutrition and Hotel and Restaurant Management from Centro Escolar University. It’s Theme: Harnessing STOURFEN-HRM student leader through TEAM BUILDING and EMPOWERMENT.
There’s more. Christopher Bernardo of UP Diliman VOTY announces the Fundraising Congress for Youth Orgs coming from different schools and youth sectors, in the CBA Building UP Diliman on August 25, 2004.
Christopher, Joel Bassig and I attended the Malacanang opening of the 5th International Youth Day Celebration with its theme: “Empowering Tomorrow’s Global Citizens Today”. Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye quoted “With great Power comes great Responsibility.” While, Five Young Achievers were the recipients of the outstanding youth service award. Congratulations to Ronal B. Aguirre for Environmental Advocacy, Serafin Arviola for Peace and Human Rights Education, Pamela Ponce de Leon for Drug Abuse Prevention, Ryan C. Guinaran for Rural Health for the Indigenous and Raymond Palatino for Youth Political Empowerment.
To cap it all up: here’s an excerpt from the message of the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan:
“To prepare for the future, we must promote solidarity between generations today… Young people everywhere are preparing for productive, meaningful lives in work, society and family… (the Youth) will be able to fulfill this responsibility if we invest now, and ensure they have the knowledge and skills and to take advantage of the opportunities opening up to them.”
Amen. – Emsie
