Latest news with #NationalYouthCommission
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
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
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Palace: Don't compare Bongbong to Sara on impeachment
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Tuesday that there should be no comparison on the situation of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte when it comes to impeachment. At a press briefing, Castro was asked if a similar process will be followed once an impeachment complaint against Marcos will be filed. To recall, former National Youth Commission chairperson Ronald Cardema and wife, Marie Cardema, failed to file an impeachment complaint against Marcos over the March 11 arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. 'Nasa kamay po iyan ng House of Representatives at hindi po dapat natin ihambing ang naging sitwasyon ni Bise Presidente sa ating Pangulo. Unang-una po ay wala naman po yatang ginastos ang ating Pangulo na 125 million pesos sa loob lamang ng 11 days,' Castro said. 'Pangalawa, nagtatrabaho nang maayos ang Pangulo, nag-a-account ang Pangulo na naaayon sa batas,' she added. She also said there is no Notice of Disallowance issued against the Office of the President. Duterte was impeached by the House on February 5 with more than 200 congressmen endorsing the verified complaint against her. The Vice President stands accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. She has since denied the allegations. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, returned the impeachment complaint against the Vice President back to the House of Representatives, but without dismissing or terminating the Articles of Impeachment. The motion was approved with 18 affirmative, five negative votes, and zero abstentions. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Young Asean voices set agenda for a sustainable tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: Delegates of the 4th Asean Youth Dialogue 2025 have urged Asean leaders to demonstrate clear commitment and awareness in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the region. In their 4th Asean Youth Statement 2025, themed "Youth for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Inclusion and Driving Change in Asean," the delegates called on leaders to adopt nine key policy recommendations aimed at ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable youth participation in driving socioeconomic development. These matters were among the key topics raised during the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Asean Youth held at the 46th Asean Summit. Central to the recommendations was a call for renewed efforts to empower young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realising the Asean Community Vision 2025. The statement also highlighted the importance of enhancing youth health and wellbeing, advocating improved mental health services, comprehensive reproductive health education, and affordable access to healthcare — measures seen as vital for equipping the next generation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Education and skills development were also prioritised, with delegates calling for improved digital literacy and proficiency in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. In addition, the delegates urged Asean member states to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting start-ups, mentorship schemes, and providing accessible funding opportunities. They also stressed the importance of targeted policies to uplift marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, rural communities, and women. Delegates further stressed the need for investment in sustainable infrastructure to bridge the urban–rural divide, and called for unified action to address the climate crisis, including prioritising climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and intercultural exchange programmes to promote regional solidarity and understanding. Malaysia's youth delegate Muhammad Izzat Afifi said Asean's youth were ready to lead. "We are not only advocating for ourselves, but for a future in which inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation are the foundation of our region's development," he said. Meanwhile, the Philippines' delegate Michelle Ann M. Villanueva, from its National Youth Commission, hailed the dialogue as a groundbreaking opportunity for youth voices to be recognised. "This is a testament that we are valued, we are heard, and we matter," she said, highlighting the importance of platforms that allow young people to convey their needs and aspirations directly to Asean leaders. As the Asean Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025 nears its conclusion, the dialogue reaffirmed the importance of institutionalising youth participation in policymaking. Delegates expressed hope that their recommendations would serve as a blueprint for action, inspiring Asean leaders to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
