Multisectoral forum on youth participation in the 2016 polls held at SMX

The Philippine Youth Congress, a series of events which aims to provide an avenue for the Filipino youth voice to be heard in the 2016 national and local elections, commenced on November 25 at the SMX Convention Center with its first forum, a social conversation to discuss the Filipino youth agenda. The event was organized by NewGenRocks! and YouthVote Philippines.

In the forum, representatives from different sectors were present. Among the speakers were Vic Buenaventura of Pilipinas Natin, a student leadership and volunteerism group; Most Rev. Emerson Beriones, founder of Marikina Youth Leadership Conference; Mark Penaver of Greenpeace Philippines; Leon Flores III, former chairman of the National Youth Commission and current executive director of Angkop, a political organization; and Paolo Saveron of Cebuano Youth Ambassadors. Chard Amazona, program head at PhilVote, and Reigner Sanchez, head convenor for NewGenRocks! served as moderators for the panel discussion.

The forum involved a discussion on the problems that the youth see in the Philippines — among them education, integration, youth engagement, environment, and unemployment.

On the issue of education in the Philippines, the questions of accessibility and quality of education were thrown at the speakers. Penaver stated that it is unfortunate that education in the Philippines has become a privilege rather than a right. “Kung sino lang ‘yung may lakas sa gobyerno, sila lang ‘yung nakakakuha ng pribilehiyo na makapag-aral sa magandang eskuwelahan,” he lamented. Meanwhile, Flores argued that the industry and education sector need to collaborate in ensuring that graduates are able to find opportunities and jobs.

On youth engagement, Saveron emphasized that the youth are partners for development. Beriones and Buenaventura agreed, and highlighted that social media is a powerful instrument that can be harnessed by the youth in making their voice heard and instigating change. Meanwhile, on the topic of environmental issues, Penaver discussed the importance of being in solidarity with Filipino farmers and their plight, and shared his knowledge on ecological balance and how to maintain it.

It is widely reported that, of the registered voters in the country, 37 percent — or a staggering estimate of 19 million people — consists of the youth. “This number can elect the next president of the Philippines,” stated Sanchez, alluding to the fact that in 2010, Benigno Aquino III received 15 million votes to win the polls.