PART III: PLANS AND COMMITMENTS OF THE YOUTH

A.         PLANS OF THE CHILDREN

The various regional consultations with the youth bring to the fore the children’s own understanding, analysis and evaluation of the pressing situation that directly and indirectly affect them. The youth, as one important stakeholder, has the ability to deal with their concerns if given the opportunity to hone these capabilities, and of course, provided with the necessary institutional support.

This section presents the youth’s agenda for action to address the various issues that fall within the four aspects of the UN Convention on the Rights of  the Child (survival, development, protection and participation). No delineation was made across youth sub-sectors to indicate a concerted effort towards the resolution of problems and formulation and implementation of solutions to the problems indicated below.

Survival and Development

The youth identified eight issues detrimental to their survival and development in the various regional consultations conducted. These were education, unemployment, reproductive health, poverty, health and nutrition, formation of values, information technology, and infrastructure development. Within each, the expressed plans were as follows:

Education

In order to address education issues, most regions (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 and CARAGA) plan to press for granting of scholarships, financial aids and other educational assistance from the different agencies, mainly the government. They also plan to ensure that the youth shall have access to quality education (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12 and CAR). The same regions also committed to assist in the conduct of various extension services such as Adopt-a-Community to provide both formal and informal education particularly to Out-of-School Youth and Youth with Special Needs, and implement income generating projects (4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, NCR and CARAGA). Lobbying for adequate budget for education (2, 4, 8, 11, 12, NCR, CARAGA) and open dialogue with school administrators to ensure transparency and demand accountability (4, 8, 9, 10, 11, NCR and CARAGA) were also included in the top strategies that the youth plan to put into action.

Youth from Region 1, 3, 10, 11, 12 and CARAGA will push for improvements in school facilities and infrastructures, basic services and other provisions such as books.  Region 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 will also insist on revisions on existing curricular offerings to make education sensitive to the current needs of the youth. On the other hand, youth from Region 2, 4, NCR, CAR and CARAGA will actively participate in the conduct of various seminars, trainings and academic researches.

Other plans articulated included the lobbying for government and educational institutions to address tuition fee increase and demand statements of liquidation of funds from these fees (9, 12 and CARAGA). They will also demand schools to institutionalize and put into operation career placement (5 and 12). Youth from Region 6 will also lobby for the enactment of a Magna Carta of Students’ Rights.

Employment

To improve the chances of the youth to get more jobs, youth from Region 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11 and NCR will actively participate in various skill trainings and seminars.  They will  also link with government and the private sector (2, 4, 6, 9, CAR and CARAGA) to address employment issues.  Seven regions will push the government to establish various sustainable livelihood programs (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, NCR and CARAGA) to generate more employment opportunities.

Youth from Region 9, 12, CAR and CARAGA will monitor implementation of labor policies such as the Labor Code. Likewise, Region 9, 10 and 12 will lobby for issues on wage and just compensation.

Region 11, CAR and CARAGA will look into the possibility of creating networks to help disseminate employment information. Region 6 and 12 plan to explore the possibility of establishing youth cooperatives, while others (6, CARAGA) plan to enhance capability building in specific production sectors such as the agriculture and informal sector. Region 9 and 12 intend to organize unions and patronize local products respectively.

Poverty/Economic Concerns

The youth pledged to look into the possibility of coming up with income-generating livelihood projects, promoting entrepreneurship and employment, aimed at addressing poverty and economic issues (1, 3, 4, 5 and 6).  Along this line, Region 4 and 5 plan to participate in various training programs that will enhance their skills and give them access to employment. Youth from Region 2 intend to lobby for an increase in the minimum wage. As for Region 6, the youth plan to press the government to address overpopulation issues and advocate for the adoption of a “Filipino-first Policy”. Finally, CARAGA will seek the improvement of agricultural production.

Health and Nutrition

With regard to health and nutrition, the youth plan to help in disseminating information through nutrition education and wellness awareness campaign (1, 3, 6, 10, 11, NCR). Youth from Region 1, 4, 6 and NCR will also take it upon themselves to implement various health programs and advocacy on health issues.

Region 3, 9, 11 and CARAGA plan to press the government to properly allocate funds for health centers and provide support for their operations. Region 3 also plans to establish networks with other organizations that may provide medical support to their community.

Reproductive Health

The youth plan to heighten awareness on reproductive health through various information campaigns, and seminars (1, 4, 9, 10, 11, NCR and CAR). They will also lobby for the incorporation of sex, gender and population subjects in both formal and informal education (1, 4, 6 and 9).

Lobbying for the accessibility of youth-friendly medical/health facilities will be undertaken by Region 6, 9, 11 and CARAGA. Youth from Region 9 will center on policies such as the ban on the distribution of pornographic materials to minors. As for Region 11, the youth plan to form peer-counseling groups and encourage sports activities to divert the youth’s attention from sexual activities. NCR youth will implement organization programs on youth that concern adolescent reproductive health and sexuality.

Values Formation

The need for values formation was not discounted by the youth. To answer this need, they (3 and NCR) plan to participate actively in various seminars (e.g. effective parenthood, bible studies, etc.)  that will enhance moral values.  Region 6 will uphold and practice “Bayanihan” to contribute to values formation in their community. Region 11 plans to advocate for the reorientation of school values to become congruous to and strengthen family values. As for NCR, they wish to contribute in disseminating information on values formation and by simply setting a good example to become role models for others.

Environmental Degradation

In order to ensure that the youth in the future will be able to experience and use the country’s rich natural resources, youth from Region 4, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 plan to help in disseminating information on protecting the environment (e.g. education drives, awareness campaigns, etc.) and monitor implementation of policies and laws, operation of environmental programs, and enforcement of punishments to erring individuals. In terms of advocacy,  Region 9 shall delve into waste reduction in schools and homes.

Other Concerns

Aside from the survival and development issues mentioned above, youth from Region 9 also acknowledges information technology as a potential area for improvement. In this regard, they plan to procure books and relevant literature and press the government to ensure access to information technology through the establishment of CIT centers in academic institutions. The need for infrastructure has also been noted by youth from Region 9, 10 and 11. Their plan of action includes applying pressure on their respective local government units for the creation of labor-intensive rural industries and to build farm-to-market roads.

Protection

Substance Abuse

One of the most pressing concerns facing the youth today is the marked increase in the number of children who fall victim to drug abuse and addiction. In the year 2000, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) reported that 797 out of the total 5, 361 reported cases of drug use and addiction falls in the age bracket of 19 years old and below. It is thus fortunate that in the recently concluded regional consultations, the youth identified substance abuse as a prime area for protection.

Among the plans the youth articulated was to address lack of awareness about the drug use situation among the poor. Region 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, CAR and CARAGA plan to address this through effective information dissemination campaigns. As for Region 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12 and CARAGA, the youth will look into possible ways of monitoring and pressing concerned agencies to be more strict in implementation of policies. The youth also saw the potentials of encouraging alternative activities and establish recreational areas as well as organizing youth barangay organizations against drugs (Region 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, CAR and CARAGA).

Other plans expressed by the youth were to forge closer coordination with NGOs and police officials in the surveillance and reporting of cases (2, 6, CAR and CARAGA), extend help and support to established rehabilitation programs (6, 9, CARAGA), participate in various values formation seminars and workshops (10, CARAGA), and advocating that drug testing become a requirement for admissions in educational institutions (9).

Discrimination

Another area for which the youth recognized the need for protection is discrimination in its various forms (i.e. age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) To deal with this, the youth’s primary strategy is to access and disseminate correct information through education and values formation drives (2, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12). Secondly, they also intend to lobby in congress and local government units for policies that will protect children against various discrimination issues such as IP displacement, job qualifications, child abuse, among others (9, 11 and 12) and the strict implementation of existing ordinances and policies (2, 9, 10, 11 and 12). As regards research, youth from Region 11 plan to document cases of violation of students’ rights, hoping that concerned officials will address these.

Rights of the Youth

Despite the recognition of the rights of the youth as per UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, youth in the country have yet to enjoy the blanket protection these rights extend to their sector. In order to amend the situation, NCR and Region 1 youth aspired to campaign for an increase in the number of credible lawyers in the country, implement education campaigns and awareness drives for youth to become familiar with their rights, promote youth and family-friendly programs and uphold youth rights, protection and development in all areas of concern.

Crime and Violence

Everyday, newspapers both broadsheets and tabloids herald the pressing problem on violence and criminal activities in our country. Youth from Region 9, 10, 11 and 12 thus air concern regarding the security of children against these problems. In their plan for action, the said regions include contributing to effective information dissemination, awareness and education campaigns, lobbying for strict implementation of policies and security measures and trying to re-orient and/or re-direct youth activities as part of their agenda.

Recruitment of children to participate in armed conflict

In the recent years, the public has become aware that children are caught in the middle of the continuing conflict between the military and insurgent groups. In the case of the latter, researches point that children are recruited to participate in these armed encounters, endangering their welfare and lives. Region 6 conveyed their plan to help in the dissemination of information regarding the matter. They also intend to seek the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure that there will be fewer children involved in these conflicts. Furthermore, they will also look into the feasibility of establishing livelihood programs to divert the children’s priorities from participating in armed conflicts to engaging in productive work to address their living standards.

Child Labor

Social scientists have long recognized the threats posed by employment of children. At present, efforts to address child labor has been done, yet favorable results have not been felt. It is the contention of youth from Region 5 and 8 that a council/organization against child labor must be established. They also plan on proposing significant laws and policies to protect children from child labor and also to advocate for gender-sensitive working environment.

Child Abuse

The campaign for the rights of the children geared towards minimizing if not eradicating child abuse in the country was forwarded by six regions namely Region 4, 5, 6, NCR, CAR and CARAGA. Region 2 and CARAGA also committed themselves to help in establishing support centers for victims as well as to conduct counseling services for victims, conduct researches and build a databank on cases of child abuse. To gain institutional support, they also plan to advocate for the strict implementation of laws and policy against child abuse.

Street Children

Despite the widespread problem on street children in our fast paced urban centers, only Region 9 included this area as potential arena to demand for youth protection. Among their plans are to encourage children to go back and reconcile with their parents, ensuring that street children have access to basic services and education facilities. In a more long-term approach, youth from the aforementioned region plan to contribute in re-orienting the public on issues of giving alms and dealing with children who beg in our streets.

Youth Offenders

Region 6 plans to come up with alternative programs for youth offenders and their victims.

Campus Prostitution

Although most youth from the country did not recognize the problem of campus prostitution as a possible area for protection, Region 4 and 6 offer their plan to address this. Among the activities they intend to put into action are encouraging awareness through information dissemination and education drives, vigilance in monitoring and advocating for policies against campus prostitution, and putting into practice activities that uplift youth morale.

Hazing

In order to control hazing the youth from CARAGA and Region 4 plan to advocate for school guidelines that shall call for activities that will maximize positive potentials of fraternities. As well, CARAGA will also delve into advocating for strong defense/security measures and will monitor the implementation of the Anti-hazing Law.

Rape

Region 4 and 8 expressed concern with the growing number of youth being raped. In this regard they plan to disseminate information on laws against rape and advocate for the strict implementation of the death penalty.

Pre-marital Sex

In the regional consultations conducted, only one region articulated concern for the issue of pre-marital sex, unwanted teenage pregnancy and early marriage. Region 4 aims to discourage youth in practicing premarital sex through awareness campaigns and education.

Programs for Youth with Special Needs

Another salient feature of the regional consultations was Region 4’s recognition that there are fewer programs for Youth with Special Needs either from the government or from the private sector. They thus wish to encourage a dialogue with leaders and concerned officials and look into the feasibility of conducting a summit for Youth with Special Needs.

Participation

Environmental Awareness

One critical area where the youth may be able to contribute significantly is that of environmental awareness.  Seven regions (1, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12 and CARAGA) plan to implement and practice environmental protection programs. Region 1, 6, 9 and 12 will delve into promoting environmental awareness by helping information campaigns on waste management and other environmental management programs. In terms of lobbying for policy, Region 6 and CARAGA plan to focus their efforts on budget allocation for use of youth involved in environmental programs and for more environment-friendly policies.

Sangguniang Kabataan

In recent years, the empowerment of youth in government policymaking, project implementation and program evaluation have been embodied in the Sangguniang Kabataan. Here is one arena where the youth can engage individuals from their sector as well as the government and private sectors in constructive dialogues that may promote the welfare of the youth. Various plans have been articulated by the various regions aimed at further enhancing the SK as a youth-oriented institution in the country. First the youth plan to enhance their leadership skills and capabilities by attending and sponsoring various seminars and workshops (5, 6, 8, 10, 12, CAR and CARAGA). Others plan to organize youth for volunteerism and awareness campaigns (1, 5, 6, 9, 10 and CARAGA), strengthen role of SK as partner in community development (1, 11 and CAR), organize coherent SK federations and/or unions (9, 11 and CAR) and implement a screening procedure that will ensure proper sectoral youth representation in all levels of governance (10, 11 and 12).

Other regions plan to lobby for an SK autonomous from the local government (4 and 6), advocate for fund allocations (12 and CARAGA), provide more venues for formulating, integrating and implementing programs for the youth (5) and amend SK constitution to include activities and livelihood programs for Youth with Special Needs (11).

National Youth Commission

The regional consultations indicated the lack of popularity of the National Youth Commission. Only one region, Region 6, recognized it as a sphere for youth participation and thus, they plan to improve the esteem of the National Youth Council programs through advocacy and effective information dissemination.

Info drive on youth related programs of the government

In order to achieve better awareness campaigns on youth related programs sponsored, established and operated by the government, Region 6 suggests the creation inter-agency network that will cut across the various sectors concerned (government, private sector, youth, and others). Along with CARAGA, Region 6 also plans to identify, review and intensify coordinating bodies operating at present and make due recommendations. As for Region 9, 10, 11 and CARAGA, efforts towards facilitating awareness building programs will be given attention.

Lack of participation of Youth with Special Needs

The participation of Youth with Special Needs at present has been negligible. In order to amend the situation, youth from Region 6 and 5, CAR and NCR plan to pressure government to address needs of Youth with Special Needs through lobbying for formulation and implementation of pro- Youth with Special Needs policies. They also articulated the want to attend sectoral activities whenever possible and engage in dialogues that will give them the means to take part in the various programs and activities in government in particular and society in general.

Low level of youth participation in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs

In terms of the low level of youth participation in various program stages which concern either government or non-government efforts to provide services, youth from Region 2, 6, 8, 10, NCR and CARAGA plan to work towards the empowerment of the youth through trainings and facilitating consultations. Youth from Region 6, 10, NCR, CAR and CARAGA also intend to organize and mobilize the youth to take more active participation in these project phases. As for Region 9, 10 and 11, they mean to work towards efficient information dissemination and awareness of what the youth can contribute. Region 6 and 11 articulated the need to assess their own dedication and commitment to work, and lobby for financial assistance to participating youth respectively.

Corruption

Various civil society groups have initiated efforts to rid the government of corruption. Still, this issue is very much open to participation from other sectors particularly the youth. With the youth’s number and enthusiasm, their sector can significantly contribute in the campaign to address corruption. Region 3, 6 and CARAGA answered this call as they plan to strengthen their campaign against corrupt and traditional politicians. As for CAR, they plan to convince fellow youth to exercise their right of suffrage, and assist in organizing associations of youth to fight corruption and demand transparency and accountability from government.

Voters’ Awareness

Every election season, the youth has been a viable target for political campaigns due to this sector’s population. In this regard, the youth sector has a significant stake in the quest to revise the prevailing political climate in the country. Youth primarily from the CARAGA region plan to organize information campaigns and voters’ education (along with Region 6 and CAR), report incidence of vote buying and advocate for good governance in all levels of the bureaucracy.

Budget Allocation

In the concerns of the youth for survival and development, budget allocation has been an imperative issue as covered in the section pertaining to this earlier in this paper. Thus, this issue calls for the youth to actively participate in the formulation of the annual budget. In this regard, youth from Region 3 takes the lead as they plan to advocate for standardized budget allocation for youth participation and encourage exchange programs for youth from other regions.

Poor implementation of government programs

Region 2 mentioned the poor implementation of government programs as a potential area for youth. They plan to extend help towards full implementation of projects through consultations and devolution.

Lack of Information Dissemination

In order to address the youth’s seeming lack of access to valuable and much-needed information, Region 8 goes to the frontline as they aim to tap media to disseminate information.

B.        COMMITMENT OF THE FILIPINO YOUTH

The youth is very much aware of the various issues that confront their sector and they acknowledge the contributions of the government and the private sector in addressing these issues. Indeed, all the representatives in the Regional Youth Summits recognized that if they want to make the concerns of the youth a priority, they themselves have to be actively involved. As beneficiaries of the programs and policies the youth affirms their commitment to take part in the concerted effort of the government and the private sector in pushing for the youth agenda. This section focuses on the commitment expressed by the Youth in the Regional Youth Summits.

Act as role model of other Youth in the community

Catalyst for change

Responsible and honest leadership

The participants of the Regional Youth Summits affirmed their responsibility of representing the youth in their sub-sector, in their commitment to become role models of good behavior in their community. The youth committed to perform well in school, stay away from drugs and criminality, be sincere and honest leaders of their youth organizations and be catalyst for change. The youth also committed to echo what they have learned and their experiences in the Regional Youth Summits to other youth in their community.

Actively participate in programs and projects

Promote the spirit of volunteerism

Provide recruits and trainees for youth development

Contribute dedication, time, initiative, resources, skills, talents, and knowledge

The participants of the Regional Youth Summits affirmed that as beneficiaries of the programs and projects of the government and the private sector, they should cooperate by doing their share and contributing their time, skill, knowledge and resources. They also commit to promote the spirit of volunteerism by encouraging other youth to participate in the livelihood programs, anti-drug campaigns, tree planting activities, bantay-kalikasan, leadership and capacity-building seminars, and others.

Promote cultural heritage

The participants of the Regional Youth Summits especially those representing the indigenous youth recognizing the cultural diversity of country called upon the other participants to respect  indigenous culture. The youth committed to lobby against the discrimination of youth with Special Needs in accessing and availing of health services, education, employment opportunities and the right to their ancestral domain. The youth also committed to campaign for revising the education curriculum that will integrate concerns confronting the Youth with Special Needs, correcting the misconceptions and stereotypes of indigenous youth.

Assist in the formation of youth organization

The participants of the Regional Youth Summits are aware that many youth are still not organized thus they are unable to raise the issues that plague them to the concerned authorities. The youth committed to assist in forming youth organizations especially among the Out-of-School Youth and labor unions for the Working Youth to protect their rights, instituting assemblies where the youth can express their concerns, organize youth peace camps so that the youth can help solve the illegal recruitment of youth for armed conflict in the south and create inter-fraternity and sorority councils to solve the problem of hazing and campus violence.

Fiscalizing role of the youth

Vigilant monitoring the various programs and projects

Set standards and evaluate performance

Conduct research and feasibility studies

Formulate policies and concept papers

Aware of the limitations of the government and the various problems that the government has faced in implementing programs and projects intended for the youth, the participants of the Regional Youth Summits had committed to vigilantly monitor the performance of the government. The youth also committed to set standards for evaluating the programs and projects and conduct research studies. The youth committed to substantiate SK activities and submit monthly reports. They also committed to be actively involved in formulating policies  on labor and employment, women issues and reproductive health as well as assist in defining concepts that affect youth issues. The youth also vowed to strengthen their skills in drafting resolutions and ordinances and conduct initiative actions regarding youth issues.

Expand awareness of the various youth issues

Campaign, lobby and advocate for youth issues

Conscious of issues that affect the youth

Assist in database development and information gathering

The participants of the Regional Youth Summits committed to be conscious of various issues that affect the youth such as Magna Carta for Student Rights, poverty, drug addiction, prostitution, child abuse, education reform bill and child labor. The youth also committed to participate in campaigns that promote their survival, development, participation and protection and conduct mobilization activities. Aware that there is a problem in disseminating information regarding youth issues, the youth promised to assist in gathering information and developing a database on youth issues to facilitate easy access to information.

Networking and linkages with other stakeholders

Youth unity and cooperation

Acknowledging that resolving the various issues that concern the youth require a joint effort of the various stakeholders, the participants of the Regional Youth Summits committed to cooperate and coordinate with other youth organizations, the government and the private sector in pooling their resources, knowledge and skills to achieve their common objective.

Details of the Youth’s Commitment are contained in Annex F.

Conclusion

That government has mounted serious efforts in addressing the youth’s concerns is an understatement.  On the contrary, many things have been done in the attempt to produce far-reaching solutions to some of the youth’s most pressing problems.  And despite the gaps in policies and programs, it cannot be denied that government – present and past administrations, to be more specific – has done its best to address the youth’s needs, albeit within the limits allowed by lack of financial and human resources. Participants of the Regional Youth Summits agree that the government is trying to answer their needs. However, these are not enough.

The complexity of youth needs and conditions, however, makes it impossible for government alone to shoulder the burden of promoting youth development.  This, not only because government has limited resources, but government also does not have a monopoly of solutions to the problems at hand.  Thus, it is important to provide a multi-stakeholder approach to promoting youth development, where the private sector and the youth themselves can actively contribute to the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies and programs.

The private sector is an important partner in youth development not only because of the financial resources it can share, but more importantly because of the opportunities it can offer to young people in terms of developing their potentials and capacities in various fields.  At the same time, the different organizations within the sector – together with those in the religious community – can assist in the formulation and implementation of other types of programs that can complement as well as fill the gaps in what government is currently doing.  The youth perceive that the private sector should assist the government in the implementation of youth programs by providing financial and technical support.

On the other hand, genuine participation compels the youth to go beyond demands-setting –as though it is society’s obligation to help them, period – and instead grapple over their situation, propose alternative and viable solutions, and act on the problems where they can.  Participation in development assumes taking responsibility and actively contributing to ensure that development truly serves the interest of those in whose name it is being undertaken.   For the youth to be genuine actors in their own development processes, they must learn to expand their horizon and see the totality of youth development needs, so that they are better able to recommend policies and programs appropriate to the realities of their sector.  Equally important, they must hone their knowledge and skills so that they themselves can take an active role in the implementation of youth programs, whether government- or private-sector sponsored. 

Only through this kind of participation will the youth truly understand the entirety of their condition, not only in terms of problems but also in the kinds of solution that can feasibly address these problems not only for the short term, but for the longer haul.

For their part, the youth from the Regional Summits have committed themselves to doing their best to help the government and the private sector address their concerns.

While the government, youth and the private sector have specific responsibilities in addressing issues concerning the youth, it is evident that without the collaboration of all, uplifting the condition of the youth will be next to impossible.