6 days ago
NYC pushes inclusive youth voice, grassroots engagement on Int'l Youth Day
Among NYC's key programs is the Mental Health Youth Hub, which promotes peer-to-peer counseling. 'Ang mental health hindi pinipili kung mayaman o mahirap… one way to for you to talk to other people,' said Youth Commission Chair Jeff Ortega on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
The National Youth Commission (NYC) on Tuesday, International Youth Day, called for deeper involvement of young Filipinos in national policy-making, extending beyond symbolic events to year-round programs tackling education, livelihood, mental health, and even national sovereignty issues.
In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, NYC Chairperson and CEO Undersecretary Joseph Francisco 'Jeff' Ortega said the celebration is a chance to give youth a voice not just locally, but globally.
Ortega traced its roots to a 1991 youth gathering in Vienna, Austria, which sought funding and support for the UN Youth Development Fund. This year's theme—"Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond"—aligns with the Philippine Youth Development Plan, which covers agriculture, peace building, security, education, health, and the environment.
'Kailangan… masigurado na lahat po ng mga kapakanan ng kabataan… mapakinggan nito at marinig po ng ating presidente… whether you are left-leaning or… progressive… mapakinggan natin lahat,' he said.
(We need to ensure that all concerns of the youth… are heard by our president… whether you are left-leaning or progressive… everyone must be heard.)
Mental health front and center
Among NYC's key programs is the Mental Health Youth Hub, which promotes peer-to-peer counseling.
'Ang mental health hindi pinipili kung mayaman o mahirap… one way to help… is for you to talk to other people,' he said.
(Mental health does not choose whether you are rich or poor… one way to help is to talk to other people.)
Instead of relying solely on medical professionals, who are in short supply nationwide, the initiative trains youth with lived mental health experiences to support peers.
Breaking digital barriers to hear grassroots voices
To reach more young Filipinos, the NYC also lifted social media account blocks from previous administrations.
'Lahat ng mga binlock dati sa Facebook… in-unblock na namin… para makita talaga namin kung ano yung hinanain ng mga tao sa grassroots," he added.
(Everyone previously blocked on Facebook… we unblocked… so we can truly see the grievances of the people at the grassroots.)
The agency also decentralized the annual Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Convention, holding separate events for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to ensure broader participation.
WPS and service
Ortega also linked the West Philippine Sea issue to human rights and food security, urging young Filipinos to be informed and engaged.
'Kung si mangingisda… lumalaban… dapat pati ang kabataang Pilipino lumalaban din," he said.
(If a fisherman… is fighting… then Filipino youth should also be fighting.)
Ortega also challenged SK leaders to design programs beyond sports tournaments, addressing issues like teenage pregnancy and bullying, and tapping talents in science, math, and technology.
Ortega also urged young people to serve, learn how the government works, and focus on nation-building.
'Huwag kayong matakot na magsilbi sa gobyerno… habang kayo ay nagpa-practice pa bilang… pre-leaders ng ating bansa… huwag nyo kakalimutan to pay it forward,' he stressed.
(Do not be afraid to serve in government… while you are still practicing as… pre-leaders of our country… never forget to pay it forward.) — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
