CONTENTS

The National Youth Commission 4

The National Youth Parliament 5
NYP Program of Activities 6
Rules of Procedure 8
Rules of Order 11
Election Rules and Guidelines 12
House Rules 13
NYC Policy Briefs 14
The NYP10 National Organizing Committee 26
The NYC Officials 27


NATIONAL
YOUTH
COMMISSION
REPUBLIC ACT 8044
The National Youth Commission was established
by virtue of Republic Act 8044, or the Youth in Na-
tion-Building Act, which was enacted in 1995. This
law provided for the creation of a National Com-
prehensive and Coordinated Program on Youth
Development.
THE ROLE OF NYC IN NATION-BUILDING
The NYC provides the youth with opportunities
to be an active partner in nation-building through
youth programs and projects that will develop and
harness their potentials and enable them to be of
great service to their country and community.
The creation of new policies and advocacies for
youth development also allows the NYC to push
for reforms and the creation of new measures to
implement better services for the youth and the
communities.
VISION
The National Youth Commission envisions itself to
be the policy authority on youth participation and
the prime mover in inclusive youth development.
TO ACHIEVE NYCS VISION, The National Youth
Commission shall...
Continue being the lead agency in formulating
policies, programs and measures (i.e. guidelines,
standards and indicators) on youth participation
in collaboration with other sectors and national
government implementing agencies;
Capacitate youth organizations to enable them
to become self-reliant and to enlarge their choic-
es, and providing them with equal opportunities,
with technical assistance and support;
Collaborate with local government units (LGUs)
to integrate youth perspectives in their policy
agenda and plans;
Build networks and strategic partnerships with
civil society organizations for youth development;
Advocate, mobilize and generate resources for
youth development which include human, finan-
cial, and physical resources; and
Monitor and evaluate the results of youth poli-
cies, programs and measures.
NYC GOALS AND STRATEGIES
Goals
1. Legislative and policy agenda strengthens the
authority of the National Youth Commission on
youth participation policy and as a prime mover in
inclusive youth development;
2. Youth development agenda is mainstreamed
in national and local priorities and plans; and
3. The Commission and its Secretariat have the
capacity, skills and expertise as duty-bearers on
inclusive youth participation and development.
Strategies
Formulation of inter-sector and rights-based
strategies and rights-based standards for the
youth;
Capacity-building of youth organizations;
Institutional development and strengthening of
NYC as the lead agency on inclusive youth partici-
pation and development;
Strengthening strategic alliances, advocating
and building partnerships with various sectors;
Mainstreaming of local youth plans (agenda
and priorities) in local government comprehen-
sive development plans through NYCs local en-
gagement strategies;
Resource mobilization and generation# includ-
ing monitoring of funds, efficient allocations, and
creating results; and
Results-oriented monitoring of: (a) the Medium
Term Youth Development Plan (MTYDP), 2011-
2016, with NYC as the lead agency, (b) programs
and projects managed by NYC, and (c) the im-
plementation of this Agency Plan with an annual
report based on a results framework.
NYC Core Functions
Research, policy formulation and advocacy
Monitoring and evaluation of youth programs,
projects and activities
Resource mobilization, networking, and part-
nership-building
Social Marketing, public and media relations
Education, training / institution-building
4 5
William Howard Taft addressing the First Philip-
pine Assembly in the Manila Grand Opera House.
(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip-
pine_Assembly)
First Inaugural Address by Manuel L. Quezon (1st
President of the Commonwealth of the Philip-
pines) on November 15, 1935 at the front steps of
the National Museum Building. (Source: http://
pinoykollektor.blogspot.com/2013/05/1935-com-
monwealth-of-philippines.html)
The Parliament
of Youth Leaders
The Parliament of Youth Leaders, also known as the National Youth
Parliament, is a gathering of at least 200 youth leaders and youth sector
representatives from all over the country who engage in a simulated leg-
islative process where they present, discuss, and craft policy recommen-
dations that will address pressing issues that directly affect them.
Consistent with Republic Act 8044, otherwise known as the Youth in Na-
tion-Building Act, the Youth Parliament meets at the call of the National
Youth Commission every two years.
The 10th Parliament of Youth Leaders
May is Heritage Month and the National Youth Commission has juxta-
posed heritage and technology in this years Parliament.
The National Art Gallery Building and the Manila Grand Opera Hotel both
played huge roles in our nations history. The National Art Gallery Build-
ing once housed the Senate and House of Representatives before both
Houses moved to where they are now. Also, the 1934 Constitutional Con-
vention was held in this building. On its front steps, no less than Manuel
L. Quezon was sworn in as President of the Commonwealth.
Meanwhile, the Manila Grand Opera House was used as the location of
the inauguration of the members of the First Philippine Assembly on Oc-
tober 16, 1907. It was the founding of the Philippine legislative body.
These glimpses of the past combined with the use of social media as the
platform for the delegates Pre-Parliament Online Discussions make the
10th Parliament of Youth Leaders truly a milestone for the Filipino youth.
Date May 15-18, 2014
Venue Ambassadors Hall
Manila Grand Opera Hotel
925 Rizal Ave. Cor. Doroteo Jose St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Marble Hall (Old Finance Building)
National Museum
Padre Burgos Drive, City of Manila
Theme Youth Prospects in the 2015 ASEAN Integration
Delegates Two hundred (216) Youth Leaders
and Youth Sector Representatives
Participation is distributed among regions according to
their geographical size and population. Equal gender
representation was also considered in the selection of
delegates. Different youth sub-sectors (e.g. in-school
youth, out-of-school youth, youth with specific needs and
working youth) are also represented.
Expected Delegates are divided into four committees (health, par-
Output ticipation, employment, education). Each committee will
have to come up with at least 2 resolutions that address
the youth concerns that they were able to identify in their
committees.
 Program of Activities Program of Activities
May 15-18, 2014 May 15-18, 2014

1:00 5:30 PM COMMITTEE SESSION

DAY 1: May 15, 2014 Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Ambassadors Hall Finalization of Resolutions
7:00 10:00 AM Registration and Billeting and Breakfast
5:30 - 6:15 PM Assembly and Travel Time to Liwasang Boniifacio
10:00 12:00NN Preliminaries
1. Introduction of Participants 6:15 7:00 PM HIV International Candlelight Memorial
2. Getting-to-know-you 7:00 - 7:30 PM Travel Time to Hotel
3. Synthesis - Levelling of Expectations
4. Presentation of the Parliament Objectives 7:30 8:30 PM Dinner (Simultaneous with Election of Plenary Officers)
and Program Overview
5. House Rules 8:30 - 9:00 PM Declaration of Election Winners
12:00 1:30 PM LUNCH (simultaneous with Filing of Candidacy) 9:00 11:00 PM Plenary Officers Caucus (Calendaring of Resolutions)
Freshen-up Time
DAY 3: May 17, 2014 Marble Hall, National Museum
1:30 2:45 PM OPENING CEREMONIES
Guests: Senator Chiz Escudero 5:00 7:00 AM BREAKFAST
Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno 7:20 - 7:45 AM Assembly and Travel Time to National Museum
2:45 3:00 PM Lecture 1- Policy Cycle / Snacks 7:45 - 9:00 AM CEREMONIAL OATH-TAKING
3:00 4:00 PM Lecture 2 The Parliamentary Rules and Procedure &PINNING OF PARLIAMENTARIANS
Parliamentarian: Prof. Alex de Guzman Guest of Honor Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.
NYP9 Officers
4:00 7:00 PM Committee Session 1
Election of Committee Officers 10:00 12:00 NN PLENARY SESSION
12:00 1:00 PM LUNCH
Standing Committees:
1. Committee on Health 1:00 6:30 PM PLENARY SESSION
2. Committee on Employment 6:30 7:00 PM Travel Time to Diamond Hotel
3. Committee on Participation
4. Committee on Education 7:00 10:00 PM Solidarity Night with ASEAN Youth Council Delegates
7:00 8:00 PM Mayors Night 10:00 - 10:30 PM Travel Time to Grand Opera
9:00 10:00 PM Candidates Forum 10:30 11:00 PM Regional Caucuses for the selection of Regional Convenors
DAY 2: May 16, 2014 Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Ambassadors Hall DAY 4: May 18, 2014 Manila Grand Opera Hotel, National Museum
5:00 7:30 AM BREAKFAST 6:00 7:30 AM BREAKFAST
8:00 9:00 AM State of the Youth Address 7:00 - 8:00 AM Check-out for those who will join the City Tour
NYC Chairman Leon Flores III
8:00 9:30 AM CLOSING CEREMONIES
9:00 9:45 AM Discussion on HIV/Aids Awareness by Philippine National Guest of Honor Senator Bam Aquino
AIDS Council
9:30 2:00 PM City Tour (Packed Lunch)
9:45 10:00 AM SNACKS Simultaneous with Advocacy Training of Regional Conveners

10:00 12:00 AM COMMITTEE SESSION WITH EXPERTS City Tour Itinerary

1. Lecture Fort Bonifacio
2. Open Forum Manila Cathedral
Intramuros
Committee Experts Mall of Asia (Pasay) or Gateway (Cubao)
Health: Former DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral
Education: CHED Commissioner Alex B. Brillantes, Jr. 12:00 NN Check-out
Employment: DOLE Director Dominique R. Tutay
Participation: Dr. Clement Camposano
12:00 1:00 PM LUNCH

Those who make the worst of their time

The bad news is time flies.
most complain about its shortness.
The good news is YOU are the pilot.
La Bruyere
- Michael Altshuler

6 7

Rules of Procedures
10th Parliament of Youth Leaders
WHEREAS, Art. II, Sec. 13 of the 1987 Philippine Consti-
tution provides that The State recognizes the vital role
of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and
social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patrio-
tism and nationalism and encourage their involvement
in civic affairs;
WHEREAS, Section 13 of Republic Act 8044 or the Youth
in Nation-Building Act of 1995, mandates the National
Youth Commission (NYC) to conduct the Youth Parlia-
ment every two (2) years;
WHEREAS, the Commission has convened the 10th Par-
liament of Youth Leaders and shall also be known as the
10th National Youth Parliament (NYP10);
WHEREAS, the Commission has the power to issue rules
and regulations in pursuance of provisions of RA 8044;
WHEREAS, the Parliament of Youth Leaders is a non-de-
liberative body that is tasked to formulate and promul-
gate resolutions addressing youth issues;
NOW THEREFORE, on motion, unanimously seconded,
be it resolved as it is resolved by the 10th NYP, that in a
session duly assembled by 10th NYP Delegates that:
RULE I
COMPOSITION
Section 1. The Parliament of Youth Leaders shall be
composed of qualified members selected by the NYC
as provided for under the provisions of RA 8044 and
that the said selection is not contrary with Article XIII
on Social Justice and Human Rights of the Constitution
and the principles of ratified international human rights
instruments and their enabling laws.
RULE II
THE PARLIAMENT MACE
Section 1. The Mace shall be the symbol of authority of
the Parliament.
Section 2. The Mace shall be placed in the stand when
the parliament is in session at the right side of the Pres-
ident/Presiding Officers rostrum. It shall be removed
from the stand when the Parliament is not in session.
RULE III
THE COMMITEES
Section 1. The Parliament shall organize the following
committees:
Education
Health
Youth Participation
Employment
Section 2. The Committee shall conduct business only
when there is a quorum. A majority of registered mem-
bers of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. If
there is no quorum, the chairperson shall announce the
same immediately declare the suspension of its pro-
ceedings.
Section 3. The Official List of Members in the Com-
mittee shall be as certified by the NYC Committee on
Policy and Committee Affairs.
RULE III
COMMITTEE OFFICERS
Section 1. The following shall compose the officers of
the Committees:
a. Committee Chairperson
b. Committee Vice-Chairperson
c. Committee Secretary
d. Committee Deputy Secretary
Section 2. The officers of the committees shall be elect-
ed at the commencement of the committee sessions
and whenever there is a vacancy.
Section 3. The election of committee officers shall be
governed by the guidelines promulgated by the head
of the Election Committee or his/her authorized repre-
sentative, provided that said officers shall be selected
among the official members of the committee.
RULE IV
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Section 1. The Committee Chairperson shall:
a. Open and close each committee session;
b. Call the session to order;
c. Enforce set rules;
d. Recognize speakers;
e. Put questions to a vote and announce decisions; &
f. Impose proper disciplinary measures in consultation
with the committee officers.
Section 2. The Committee Chairperson has the right to
act at his/her own discretion to ensure the smooth op-
eration of the committee. To this end, s/he has ultimate
authority over the Committees proceedings and the
maintenance of order therein. The Chair has the pow-
er to entertain, deny, or question the propriety of any
motion.
Section 3. The Committee Chairperson shall act as one
of the Floor Leaders upon the commencement of the
Parliament.
RULE V
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Section 1. The Committee Vice-Chairperson shall act as
the presiding officer in the absence of the Committee
Chairperson.
Section 2. The Committee Vice-Chairperson shall
automatically act as one of the Floor Leaders upon the
commencement of Parliament in case that the Commit-
tee Chairperson is elected as a Parliament Officer.
Section 3. The Committee Vice-Chairperson shall ensure
attendance of Committee members.
RULE VI
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTION OF THE COMMITTEE
SECRETARY AND DEPUTY COMMITTEE SECRETARY
Section 1. The Committee Secretary shall:
a. Call the roll of committee members in alphabetical
order;
8 9
Rules of Procedure
b. Record the committee proceedings in the form of
journal or minutes; liament as maybe provided for by these rules or through
c. Prepare and certify all required documents of the
Committee;
d. Be a member of the Parliament Secretariat to
provide support to the Secretary General during the
Parliament;
e. Be in charge of the submission of the committee
resolutions to the NYC Bills and Indexing Committee;
and
f. Provide the NYC Secretariat with all required docu-
ments on approved committee reports and resolutions
to be transmitted to the Parliament for deliberation.
Section 2. The Deputy Committee Secretary shall assist
the Committee Secretary in recording the proceedings
of the committee and be in charge of the preparation of
the committee reports.
RULE VII
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARLIAMENT MEMBERS
Section 1. The rights and duties of the Parliament mem-
bers shall be as follows:
a. The right to vote and be voted upon;
b. The right to be informed on any matter that per-
tains to the membership of the Parliament;
c. The right to access the Parliament documents sub-
ject to existing rules and regulations on the release of
public documents;
d. Every member present in the session shall vote in
every question raised unless he/she inhibits himself/
herself in case of conflict of interest;
e. The duty to attend and participate in all sessions;
and
f. Perform any other duties mandated by the Parlia-
ment as provided by these rules or through a resolution
enacted for this purpose.
RULE VIII
PARLIAMENT OFFICERS
Section 1. The following shall be the officers of the Par-
liament:
a. President (Presiding Officer)
b. Vice President (Presiding Officer Pro-tempore)
c. Four Floor Leaders (Committee Chairpersons)
d. Secretary General
e. Two (2) Sergeant-At-Arms: one male, one female
RULE IX
ELECTION OF PARLIAMENT OFFICERS
Section 1. The election of the President, Vice President,
Secretary General, and Sergeant-At-Arms shall be
governed by the guidelines promulgated by the NYC
Election Committee.
RULE X
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
(PRESIDING OFFICER)
Section 1. The President/Presiding Officer of the Parlia-
ment shall have the following duties and functions:
a. To call the session to order;
b. To recognize properly the member obtaining the
floor or seeking recognition;
c. To make rulings particularly on points of order,
parliamentary inquiry, requests and other procedural
matters;
d. To maintain order and decorum;
e. To put the pending question to vote and announce
the result thereof;
f. To sign resolutions upon the approval of the majority
of the members of the parliament;
g. To exercise discretion to vote in case of a tie; and
h. To perform such other duties mandated by the Par-
a resolution enacted for this purpose.
RULE XI
DUTY OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
(PRESIDING OFFICER PRO-TEMPORE)
Section 1. The Presiding Officer Pro-Tempore shall act
as the presiding officer in the absence of the Parliament
President/Presiding Officer, and to perform such other
duties mandated by the Parliament as maybe provided
for by these rules or through a resolution enacted for
this purpose.
RULE XII
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE FLOOR LEADERS
Section 1. The Floor Leaders shall:
a. Primarily be responsible for the orderly flow of the
business on the floor during plenary sessions;
b. Help the Secretary General in the preparation of the
Parliaments Order of Business; and
c. Perform such other duties mandated by the Parlia-
ment as maybe provided for by these rules or through a
resolution enacted for this purpose.
RULE XIII
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL
Section 1. The Secretary General shall:
a. Record the proceedings of the Parliament in the
form of a journal or minutes;;
b. Call the roll of the members in alphabetical order or
regional groupings;
c. Lead in the preparation of the Parliaments Calendar
of Business in coordination with the Floor Leaders;
d. Prepare and certify all required documents of the
Parliament;
e. Act as custodian of all the required documents of
the Parliament;
f. Provide the NYC Secretariat all required documents
of the Parliament; and
g. Perform such other duties mandated by the Parlia-
ment as maybe provided for by these rules or through a
resolution enacted for this purpose.
RULE XIV
THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Section 1. The Sergeant at Arms shall perform the fol-
lowing functions:
a. To strictly enforce rules pertaining to order and de-
corum during sessions;
b. To have the general control over the session hall of
the Parliament;
c. To implement orders and serve all processes issued
by the Parliament President/Presiding Officer
d. To keep custody of the mace and shall ensure its
proper display and positioning;
e. To perform such other duties mandated by the Par-
liament as maybe provided for by these rules or through
a resolution enacted for this purpose.
RULE XV
THE PERIOD OF THE PARLIAMENT
Section 1. The Parliament shall be in session on 17 May
2014 after which it shall be deemed expired.
Rules of Procedure
RULE XVI
QUORUM
Section 1. A majority of registered and qualified mem-
bers of the NYP shall constitute a quorum. Majority
means having fifty percent plus one of the total regis-
tered and qualified members.
Section 2. In computing the quorum, the number of
members necessary for the purpose should be based
on actual members present, and limited to members
who are not incapacitated to discharge their duties and
functions except those who are expelled or resigned.
Section 3. Once there is a quorum, the President/
Presiding Officer cannot suspend or adjourn a session
without the motion that is approved by a majority vote
of the members present.
Section 4. If there is no quorum at the start of the Ses-
sion, members present may compel the attendance of
absent members. The President/Presiding Officer may
suspend the sessions until the quorum is reached.
Section 5. If in any part of the session a question of
quorum is raised, the President/Presiding Officer will
direct for a roll call. After determining the lack of quo-
rum, the President/Presiding Officer may suspend the
session.
RULE XVII
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1. The Order of Business for each session shall
follow the sequence hereunder:
a. Call to Order
b. National Anthem
c. Invocation
d. Roll Call (Optional)
e. Calendar of Business
i. Business for the Day
ii. Committee Resolutions
iii. Sponsorship Speech
iv. Period of Interpellation
v. Period of Amendments
vi. Adoption
f. Adjournment
RULE XVIII
BUSINESS FOR THE DAY
Section 1. Business for the day shall be resolutions and
other measures set on the Calendar for the Day by the
Secretary General.
RULE XIX
SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
Section 1. The Presiding Officer shall announce that a
speech in authorship of the resolution is now in order.
The representative of the committee that prepares the
resolution must give an introductory speech laying out
the main arguments for the resolution.
Section 2. Once the floor is awarded to the speaker, a
maximum of five (5) minute speech shall be given. After
which, the microphone will be turned off.
RULE XX
PERIOD OF INTERPELLATION
Section 1. The Period of Interpellation shall begin with
the sponsorship speech of the representative of the
sponsoring committee or by any duly designated mem-
ber of the committee thereof.
Section 2. There shall only be a maximum of eight (9)
interpellators from the non-sponsoring committees per
resolution. The Presiding Officer, with the advice of the
Floor Leaders, shall recognize the interpellator who rises
to speak, provided that as far as practicable, interpel-
lators from the non-sponsoring committees shall be
allowed to speak alternately on the floor.
Section 3. There shall be a mandatory two-(2) minute
questioning period for each interpellator. After which,
the microphone will be turned off.
Section 4. There shall only be a two-(2) minute re-
sponse from the representative of the sponsoring com-
mittee. After which, the microphone will be turned off.
RULE XXI
PERIOD OF AMENDMENTS
Section 1. In considering amendments to the Committee
Resolution containing several segments, each segment
should be considered one by one.
Section 2. When an amendment is rejected by the
proponent of the original motion, the proponent of the
amendment may appeal to the body. The proponent of
the original motion and the proponent of the amend-
ment may explain their positions, on appeal, subject to
the two-(2)minute rule. It shall also be in order to move
for amendment by substitution, but said motion shall
not be voted upon until the text of the original matter is
perfected.
Section 3. After going through each segment, the
whole document shall be considered for further amend-
ments.
Section 4. Any amendment may be withdrawn anytime
before a vote is taken thereon.
RULE XXII
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
Section 1. After the amendments are acted upon and
the period of amendments is closed, the Parliament
shall vote on the adoption of the resolution. No vote
should be taken on the adoption of the segments. Only
one vote shall be taken finally on the adoption of the
whole document.
Section 2. The sponsoring committee representative
may move for the adoption of a resolution after the
sponsorship speech.
Section 3. A resolution must receive a plurality in favor
to be adopted.
RULE XXIII
VOTES AND VOTING
Section 1. Voting shall be viva voce, raise of hand or by
standing.
Section 2. A vote by viva voce is the regular method of
voting on any question that does not require more than
a majority vote for its adoption. When the question has
been put by the Presiding Officer in a clear, precise and
simple language, the votes shall be taken by voices of
Ayes and Nays. an objection to the motion. If there is none, the motion
Section 3. If the Presiding Officer doubts the result of
the voting by voice, to require a more precise method
10
Rules of Procedure
of counting, voting should be by raise of hand or by
standing.
Section 4. In voting, the affirmative votes shall be
counted first, and then the negative votes.
Section 5. If there is any question as to the result, any
member on his own upon motion of any member with
the concurrence of the majority shall proceed to the
recounting of affirmative and the negative votes.
Section 6. Results of the voting shall be announced to
the members of the Parliament immediately after tab-
ulation.
Section 7. A member of the parliament who was not at
the session hall when the voting took place may cast
his/her vote not later than the start of the counting pro-
vided the final result has not yet been announced.
Section 8. No member shall be permitted to vote on any
Rules of Order
10 th
Parliament of Youth Leaders
Section 1. A member may speak before the assembly
only when the presiding officer has recognized him/
her.
Section 2. A member must address all remarks and
questions to the presiding officer, and not to fellow
member. Even while the statement of member A is in
response to the point raised by member B, member A
must still address His/ Her statement to the presiding
officer.
Section 3. When a member has the floor and is speak-
ing, no member may interrupt the speaker by request-
ing to be recognized by the presiding officer except by
a member raising a point of order. He/She must wait for
the speaker to end his/ her speech and then request for
recognition by the presiding officer.
Section 4. All business must be introduced before the
assembly by a motion of a member. A member can
make only one motion at a time. All motions must be
approved by a simple majority vote. As a rule, a motion
must be seconded before the assembly can consider it.
Adoption of the Agenda and Schedule
Any member may move to adopt the proposed agenda
or schedule.
Approval of a Resolution
Any member may move for the approval of a resolution
presented to the assembly.
Suspension of Rules
A member may move to suspend the rules. If approved
by majority of the registered members, the suspension
shall not be more than 30 minutes
Section 5. Before any subject is opened to deliberation,
there must be: (1) a motion; (2) a second to the motion;
and (3) a statement of the question by the presiding
officer. The presiding officer shall ascertain if there is
Point of Order
shall be declared adopted unanimously. If there is an
objection, the issue shall be subjected to deliberation,
11
measure after the Presiding Officer has announced the
result of the voting.
RULE XXIV
ASSIGNMENT OF SEATS
Section 1. Except for the President, Vice President,
Floor Leaders, Secretary General, and Sergeant-at-arms,
delegates shall sit according to regions at the Opening
and Closing Ceremonies and according to designated
committees during all other sessions of the Parliament.
RULE XXIV
AMENDMENT
Section 1. Any provision of these Rules may be amended
by a two-thirds vote of all members of the Parliament.
RULE XXV
EFFECTIVITY
Section 1. These Rules shall take effect on the date of
their adoption.
with speakers in favor and against taking the floor alter-
nately as far as practicable.
Amendment
If a member wants to insert or strike out words or para-
graphs or substitute whole paragraphs or resolutions on
documents deliberated upon, s/he must rise and after
being recognized, state a motion for amendment. The
member proposing for an amendment must not speak
for more than 2 minutes. The presiding officer shall ask
the sponsor if s/he accepts the amendment or not. If
s/he doesnt accept it, the amendment shall be put to
vote.
Lay on the table
If after deliberation has started a member does not
wish to further consider the topic, s/ he must rise and
after being recognized move to lay the topic on the
table. The motion shall interrupt the deliberation. If the
motion is approved, the deliberation on the topic shall
not be continued. The topic can be reopened at any
time upon a motion to take the question from the table.
Previous question
If, after a prolonged deliberation on a topic, a member
wants to end the deliberation and put the question to
a vote, s/ he must rise and, after being recognized call
for the previous question. The presiding officer shall
then ask the assembly if it agrees with the motion. If
it is carried by a simple majority vote, the deliberation
shall stop and the assembly shall decide the main issue
or question.
Section 6. A question of privilege and a point of order
shall take precedence and shall be considered over any
other motion. The presiding officer shall recognize the
member raising a point of order or a question of priv-
ilege over any other member seeking the floor. The
presiding officer shall then decide or resolve the point
of order or question of privilege
When a member wants to point out a violation of
the rules or a diversion from the order of business, s/
he must rise, and, without waiting to be recognized,
address the presiding officer and invoke a question of
Rules of Order delegate may rise to a point of order and say that the
motion violates the rule. Election Rules G. The Voting Process

privilege (or point of order). The presiding officer shall
recognize the member raising a point of order or ques-
tion of privilege immediately.
Section 7. A motion for reconsideration of a vote can
be made only after the rest of the agenda has been tak-
en up and closed. Only the member s who voted for the
measure can raise a motion for reconsideration.
If a member wishes to make a motion for reconsider-
ation, s/ he shall move for the reconsideration of the
vote taken the topic. If the motion is seconded and
approved, the question shall again be considered.
If the motion for reconsideration is made at an improper
time, i.e., before the rest agenda has been taken up, any
Section 8. All members must be present during ses- and Guidelines Verification and
sions, unless necessarily prevented by reason of sick- Certification of
ness or other unavoidable circumstances duly reported Eligible Voters
to the Parliament Secretary General. Members who will
be absent for at least 30% of the time will not receive Polling site shall remain open for a maximum of one (1)
their certificates of participation. hour. No Verification
Eligible to
For the position of sergeant-at-arms, each voter can Vote?
& Assessment
Section 9. The Parliament may sanction/punish its vote for two candidates.
members for disorderly behavior and any unparliamen-
tary acts, with the concurrence of the majority of the F. Declaration and Announcement of Winners Yes
members present constituting quorum, suspend or
expel members. Provided however, a penalty of suspen- Declaration and Announcement of Winners for each
sion shall not exceed one (1) day. position shall be on May 16, 2014 at 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM. Casting of Vote
Section 10. The President/Presiding Officer may order Winners for each position shall be announced by the
the Sgt. at Arms to exclude any member from the ses- Chairperson of the NYC together with the Election Ad-
sion due to above salient provisions. ministrator and Assistant Election Administrator. Error Yes
Occurs
In case of a tie in a position, the Chairperson of NYC
shall conduct a toss coin competition. The winner of No

Election Rules and Guidelines the competition shall be declared the winning candi-
date for the said position. Exit Poll Area
10th Parliament of Youth Leaders

A. Eligibility d) For the position of Sergeant-At-Arms, all Commit-

All members of the 10th Parliament of Youth Leaders
(NYP10) are eligible to vote and run for office.
B. Elective Officers
NYP10 members shall elect, in the manner hereinafter
provided, the following positions:
a) President/Presiding Officer
b) Vice President/Presiding Officer Pro-Tempore
c) Secretary General
d) One Male Sergeant-at-Arms
e) One Female Sergeant-at-Arms
House Rules
tee Deputy Secretaries shall be automatically nominat-
ed.
D. Candidates Forum
The candidates will be given a chance to deliver his/her Delegates must attend and be punctual in all sessions.
campaign talk during the Candidates Forum on May
15, 2014 at 9:00 PM 10:00 PM. The time limit of each Delegates are not allowed to switch room assignments with other delegates.
candidate will depend on the number of candidates in
each position. Use of cellular phones and any other similar devices are not allowed during sessions.
The production of any campaign material is prohibited. Meal times must be strictly observed. Meals will no longer be served after the scheduled time.
The NYP Secretariat will be responsible for preparing
the candidates publicity materials. Delegates are warned not to leave their room doors open at any time.

These officers shall take their oath of office before en-
tering into the discharge of their duties.
All Committee Chairpersons shall automatically be ma-
jority leaders. Should a Committee Chair be elected into
position, the Vice Committee Chair will assume his/her
position as one of the majority leaders.
C. Declaration and Filing of Candidacy
The Election Committee, NYC Officials and Staff are
prohibited from endorsing or campaigning for any can-
didate or group of candidates.
A campaign and publicity material is anything distribut-
ed and/or posted that bears the name of the candidate
and position he/she is running for (i.e. letters, flyers,
name cards, banners, streamers, social network mes-
sages, text messages, or any other thing bearing such).
Loitering while sessions are on-going is prohibited.
Loss or damage to any hotel property will be chargeable against the delegates account.
Food and beverages and other hotel ammenities ordered/used outside those provided by NYC will
be charged to the delegates account.
Delegates are each provided with room keys. Lost key will be at the expense of the delegate. Each
key is worth P200.

Filing of Candidacy shall be between 12:00 PM - 1:00
PM of May 15, 2014.
Aspirants must go to the election booth near the Regis-
tration Area. Aspirants will have to surrender a valid ID
to the election officer on duty and personally fill out the
electronic form which may be found on the computers
on standby at the election booth. Once done, aspirant
can go back to the election officer and claim his ID.
Candidates or participants violating the rules stated
herein shall be disqualified as a candidate in the NYP10
elections.
E. Election
Automated voting system shall be conducted on May
16, 2014 at 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Voters will use the pass-
word provided to them during the registration period.
Gambling and/or other activities outside of normal peaceful residency ar prohibited.
Smoking is not allowed inside the session hall, conference rooms, committee meeting rooms, and
other enclosed areas.
Delegates are not allowed to leave the hotel premises unless permitted.
Personal concerns and other emergencies must be coordinated with the NYC staff on duty at the
registration/secretariat area.

In the event that no candidate files for certain posi-
tion/s during the abovementioned period, the following
rules will apply:
a) For the position of President/Presiding Officer, all
Committee Chairpersons shall be automatically nomi-
nated.
b) For the position of Vice President/Presiding Officer
Pro-Tempore, all Assistant Committee Chairpersons
shall be automatically nominated.
c) For the position of Secretary General, all Committee
Secretaries shall be automatically nominated.
The election shall be decided by plurality of votes in all
its Members. In case there is only one (1) candidate for a
position, he/she must obtain at least one (1) vote to be
declared the winner. Proxy voting and absentee voting
shall not be allowed. Integrity has no need of rules.
- Albert Camus
All candidates of any position are allowed to stay in
the polling site only when casting his/her vote.

12 13
 HOTEL AND DORMITORY MENU
Cosmo Hotel 1725 Espana 7328362 Premium Rooms Php295.00
For delegates who will need an accommodation on the evening Blvd., corner good for 2 persons
of May 14, 2014, below is the list of hotels which NYC recom- Vicente Cruz for 3 hours
mends. NYC is more than willing to assist in making arrange- St., Sampaloc,
ments with the hotel/dormitory but we maintain responsibility Manila De Luxe Rooms Php395.00
only on May 15-18 where delegates will be housed at the Manila good for 2 persons
10-15 minutes for 3 hours
Grand Opera Hotel.
jeepney ride
to the Manila De Luxe Rooms for Php900.00
Grand Opera 12 hours
Hotel Note: Charge per ex-
NAME OF tra hour Php100.00
CONTACT
DORMITORY/ ADDRESS TYPE OF ROOM RATES Charge per extra per-
INFORMATION
HOTEL son Php300.00

Manila Grand #925 Rizal Ave- (632) 304-7300 Majestic Room Php1,800.00 /
Opera Hotel* nue corner Dor- info@manila- with TV, CR P600.00 each Getz Hotel* 1679 Tayuman (02) 5240928, Superior Rooms Php888.00
oteo Jose Sts. grandopera.com St., Sta. Cruz, 2747005 Good for 2 persons
Sta. Cruz, Ma- 3 persons on sepa- Metro Manila +639258438946 For 12 hours
nila, 1003 Philip- rate beds
pines 10-15 minutes getzhotelma- Facilities and Ame-
Philippine 245 Banawe St. Romel Sapa Executive Rooms Php1,250.00 jeepney ride nila@yahoo.com nities
Public School corner Quezon 09198922201, with T.V. , CR and Pho350.00 each to the Manila Air conditioned
Teachers Avenue, Quezon 02-7493862, Water Heater Grand Opera www.facebook. rooms, flatscreen
Association City 4 persons in a Hotel com.Getzhotel t.v., hot and cold
(PPSTA) Dor- room shower, dining
mitory* *Approximately area, free wifi, 24
20-30 minutes Non- Executive Php300.00 hrs security guard/
jeepney ride to Rooms with C.R. cctv, 24 hours
Manila Grand maximum of 10 standby generator
Opera Hotel persons

*Only a few Non-Executive Php255.00 Superior Rooms Php1,688.00

blocks away Rooms outside Good for 2 persons
from NYC C.R. For 24 hours
Maximum of 12
persons
Family Suites
Good for 4 persons
Commission Sandiganbayan, (02) 9518925 Non Executive Php200.00 For 12 hours Php1,388.00
on Audit Batasan Hills, Rooms For 24 hours Php2,488.00
(COA) Commonwealth Maximum of 10
Avenue, Quezon persons Note: Extra person
City Php300.00
Extra Bed- Php500.00

1 hour to 1.5
hours jeepney
/ bus ride to
Manila Grand * Highly Recommended
Opera Hotel
For assistance in making arrangements with your cho-
sen hotel/dormitory, please do not hesistate to contact
Ms. Rose of the office of Commissioner Kit Cruz at 0917
8317215 or (02) 416 3415 loc. 105

21 14 15 22
 ESTIMAT-
ESTIMAT-
POINT OF ORIGIN ESTIMATED ED TIME ESTIMAT-
ALTERNATIVE MEANS ED TRAV-
TAXI FARE TRAVEL ED FARE
EL TIME

Pier South Harbor P150-200 45mins- Take a jeep going to Recto, Avenida, Blumen- 30mins to P15.00
(2Go) 1hr 15mins tritt. Get off at Doroteo Jose LRT Station. 1hr

Pier North Harbor 200-250 1-1.5hrs Take the UV Express via Recto, Avenida. Get off 1hr to 1hr P25.00
at Doroteo Jose LRT Station 30mins

Pasay Bus 250-300* 1.5-2hrs Take a jeep going to Pasay Rotonda (EDSA cor. 30mins to P20.00
Terminal Rizal Ave.). 1hr

Then take LRT-line 1 (Baclaran to Monumento).

Get off at Doroteo Jose (LRT) Station.
Cubao Bus 200-250 1hr and Take a jeep Cubao-Divisoria until you reach 45mins P20.00
Terminal 15mins-1hr Recto cor. Avenida. Get off at Doroteo Jose to 1 hr
HOW TO GET

45mins (LRT) Station. 15mins

OPERA HOTEL

Monumento 150-200 1-1.5hrs Take a jeep going to Recto, Avenida, Blumen- 45mins to P25.00
Bus Terminal tritt until you reach Doroteo Jose LRT Station. 1hr 15mins
Get off at Doroteo Jose (LRT) Station.
TO MANILA GRAND

NAIA 2* 300-350** 1hr Take an airport shuttle going to LRT Taft/Pasay 1hr to 1hr P40.00
15min-1hr Rotonda Station. 30 mins
30mins
Board the LRT and get off at Doroteo Jose LRT
Station.
NAIA 3* 300-350 1hr Take the airport shuttle going to Terminal 2. 1hr P40.00
30mins- 30mins to
1hr 45mins Then take the airport shuttle going to LRT Taft/ 2hrs
Pasay Rotonda Station.

Board the LRT and get off at Doroteo Jose LRT

Station.

In case you get lost, remember: QUESTIONING IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE. :)

16
17

A FEW REMINDERS BEFORE YOU PACK YOUR BAG
1. ARRIVAL
Except for those who will be flying in on May 14, it is suggested that delegates go straight to
the venue upon arrival, regardless of the time in order to avoid any untoward incident. Manila Grand
Operat Hotel is situated at a very busy street in Manila so great caution must be observed.
NYC also recommends the use of taxi instead of other public utility vehicles in going to the
venue especially those who are not familiar with the Metro. To avoid being duped by unscrupulous
taxi drivers, when getting a cab, delegaes must keep their head held high and confidently say: Ma-
nila Grand Opera Hotel, please. Right beside Doroteo Jose LRT Station.:)
2. ACCOMMODATION
Free meal and accommodation from NYC will begin on May 15, 2014 and end on May 18, 2014.
Food provision wil begin at breakfast on May 15 up to lunch on May 18.
Registration will begin at 7 a.m. on May 15. Although the registration will start early, delegates
will be checked in at 1PM. While waiting to be checked in, a baggage area handled by NYC personnel
will be available at the lobby of the hotel. After bag drop, delegates are advised to have their break-
fat first and then register after.
Rooms will be shared. Four delegates of the same gender will share in one room but with sep-
arate beds. Delegates who want a room of their own must notify the NYP10 Secretariat not later than
May 12, so arrangements with the hotel can be made.
3. THINGS TO BRING:
1. Valid ID (school, company or any other government-issued ID)
2. Personal necessaries
3. Personal medicines
4. Required attires:
a. May 15 - smart casual (collared shirt or blouse, jeans, and
b. May 16 - NYP shirt, jeans and closed shoes
c. May 17 - National Costume or any Formal Attire (male: barong tagalog or long
sleeves with tie and/or coat; female: filipiniana or any formal blouse with
blazer and slacks or skirt)
d. May 18 - smart casual
The rule of thumb is no slippers, rugged/tattered clothes during sessions. Also, delegates
must bear in mind the nature of the event and the guests who will come so they would will be guid-
ed which to take from their closets. :)
4. CHECK OUT TIME
While check-out time of the hotel is at 12NN, delegates will be required to check out at the
NYP Registration Area on May 18, 7-8AM so that the Hotel would still have time to check the rooms
since any lost / damaged hotel property will be charged to the account of the guest responsible.
Also, this is so delegates can already go straight to the bus for the city tour immediately after the
closing ceremonies. Bags of the delegates will have to be deposited again at the baggage area be-
fore going to the Ambassadors Hall for the closing ceremonies.
4. CITY TOUR
Delegates may or may not join the city tour. NYC will take care of all entrance fees to the des-
tinations, if there is any.
5. DEPARTURE
Those who will be joining the city tour, will be dropped off either at the Mall of Asia or Gate-
way Cubao at 2PM. Those who will fly back to their hometown on the same day are advised to take
the Tour Bus to MOA while those who will take a bus ride home may take the Gateway Tour Bus.
6. RULE OF THUMB
More than anything, prepare to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet people of
different cultures, advocacies and backgrounds. :)
7. CONTACT US
For any concern feel free to contact either of the following:
CJ - 0917 8976258 / 0915 5678071
Rose - 0917 8317215
Eric - 0932 6711404
or message us on facebook or email us at nyp10@nyc.gov.ph
18
RISING TEENAGE PREGNANCY: A GRAVE SOCIAL CHALLENGE
This policy paper briefly discusses the issue related to rising teenage pregnancy. It claims that access
of adolescents to RH services lessen teenage pregnancy.
What is the issue?
Teenage pregnancy has always been one of the pressing
issues in the country that requires great attention from both
the government and the society. It encompasses all youth
development dimensions, from the wellbeing of the youth,
their families and communities, and the interventions of the
government.
The 2013 Young Adults Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS 4) revealed
that one (1) in every three (3) youth aged 15-24 years old has
engaged in early sexual encounter (ESE). This indicates more
than 14% increase in ESE compared 20 years ago when YAFS
2 was conducted. According to the University of the Phil-
ippines Population Institute or UPPI (2014), this data trans-
lates to about 6.2 million youth who have engaged in sexual
intercourse before marriage or even if they do not have the
intention to marry.
As shown in Table 1, the same study reported that there is a
significant increase in teenage fertility in the past decade. In
2002, 4.4% of the total population were mothers aged 15-19;
this data increased in 2013 by 11%. The percentage of females
aged 15-19 who are pregnant with their first child also in-
creased from 2002 with 1.9% to 2.6% in 2013. Moreover, there
was an increase in the percentage of females aged 15-19 who
have begun childbearing, from 6.3% in 2002 to 13.6% in 2013.
Teenage pregnancy results to negative socioeconomic and
education of the youth (National Statistics Office, 2012).In
addition, teenage pregnancy and childbearing could affect the
both physical and emotional health conditions of the youth.
It is significant to note that the risk is not only on the mother
but also with the unborn child considering that the body of the
young mother is not yet ready for childbearing.
There could be different causes for teen pregnancy: prostitu-
tion, child trafficking, child abuse, early fixed marriage, rape,
and the most common of all is unplanned and unprotected
sexual intercourse (Widom, 1996). This is usually related to the
risky sexual behaviour of a youth which is affected by differ-
ent factors namely: a) alcohol/drug substance use; b) peer
pressure; c) social media; lastly d) absence of scientific and age
appropriate sexuality education.
Filipino culture gives great emphasis on the role if the fami-
ly in moulding Filipino traditions and values. The culture of
conformity is prevalent among Filipinos, hence, conforming
to decision-makers (fathers or elders) are most likely to be
adhered to without question. The choice of topics being laid
for family discussion is also controlled by parents. Unfortu-
nately, parents do not discuss sex issues among their children;
adolescents are also hesitant to discuss sex matters with their
parents (University of the Philippines Population Institute,
2013).
Absence of sexuality education could be in effect of a poor
seeking behaviour or a low access to reproductive health (RH)
counselling and services. The RH Law better-known as the
Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012,
or the Reproductive Health Law ensures youths access to an
array of RH services ranging from RH facilities, know-hows and
counselling. They are designed to curb the increase of teen
pregnancy by providing the much needed knowledge and
services.
After a long and hard battle, the RH bill was finally signed into
law (Republic Act 10354) on December 21, 2013. However, due
to strong resistance by several groups, the Supreme Court
(SC) issued a Temporary Restraining Order on the implemen-
tation of the RH law last March 19, 2013. Its constitutionality
was declared by the SC on April 8, 2014, except for 8 provisions
(see Box 1). With Section 7 struck down partially, the RH law
requires prior parental consent for youth between 15-17 years
old in order for them to gain access on these services and fa-
cilities. In this sense, given the level of openness in communi-
cation within the majority of the relatively conservative Filipino
19
NYC Policy Briefs
families, this requirement may well be a significant hindrance
in the success of the RH Law.
What are the other existing laws and policies related to the
issue?
The 1987 Philippine Constitution charges the State to promote
and protect the youths physical , moral, spiritual, intellectual
and social well-being and priorities the health of children his or
her right
The Convention on the Rights of the Child which the Philip-
pines ratified with the force of law in 1990, defines a child as
every human being below the age of 18 years unless, under
the law applicable, majority is attained earlier and directs
States to strive to ensure that no child is deprived of his or
her right to access to such health care services. The Commit-
tee on the Rights of the Child , in its General Comment No. 4
(2003) emphasized Adolescent Health and Development in the
context of the CPR (CRC/GC/2003/4)
The Report of the International Conference on Population and
Development (ICPD, 1994) Chapter VI, B. 6.16 states that Youth
should be actively involved in the planning, implementation
and evaluation of development activities that have a direct
impact on their daily lives. This is especially important with
respect to information, education and communication activ-
ities and services concerning reproductive health, including
the prevention of early pregnancies, sex education and the
prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The significance of this proposal is to provide an alternative
solution to the growing concern of access being affected by
the need for prior parental consent. The proponents aim to
propose for the removal of the required consent with some
measure of safeguards to facilitate RH implementation.
Republic Act No. 10354 better-known as the Responsible
Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, or the Re-
productive Health Law, this guarantees the universal access
to methods on contraception, sexual education, and mater-
nal; health care, as well as fertility control and other forms of
reproductive health services.
Problem description
The National Youth Commission (NYC) posit the need to re-
move the required prior parental consent of youth 15-17 years
old to allow them access to RH services. NYCs position is that
this requirement for this particular age group hampers the
success of RH law implementation and diminishes the level of
protection this law aims to provide.
One of the provisions in the RH Law, specifically Sec. 7 or RA
10354 provides for prior parental consent on youth 15-17 years
of age before any access to RH services. The complexities
as to the line of communications between/among family
members play a vital role in controlling the number of youth
who have access to RH programs. Topics such as sex or early
sexual encounters by youth of this age remain largely taboo.
Mere mention of the word sex is met by swift condemnation.
Understandably, opening up ones RH concerns is a shameful
prospect.
Policy options
The proponents propose two policy options. They are the
following:
First option is the amendment of Sec. 7or RA 10354 regarding
prior parental consent for youth between 15-17 years of age.
This proposed amendment to the RA aims to prove access to
RH services by all youth age groups. This measure is designed
to remove/minimize significant hindrances to RH implemen-
tation. It takes into account the cultural aspect as to the range
of topics a family may allow/open for discussion. The subject
matter is sadly marked with shame and normally avoided. The
youth under this age is in a dilemma: requiring them to divulge
their particular RH concern is downright awkward. Chances
are, they would not talk with their parents regarding sex mat-
ters; they tend to discuss their sexuality with their peers who
most of the time gives inaccurate information. Add to this the
vagueness of the provision for those who do not have parents
with them because either they were already deceased or they
are abroad.
The first option leads to the second option which is the pro-
vision of RH services through recommendation of a qualified
social welfare worker. This empowers the local social welfare
workers to intercede for the 15-17 years old in order for them to
gain access to RH counselling and services. The social workers
are, by their training and profession, are skilled and equipped
to handle matters a typical family cannot. Hence, the con-
cerned social worker may endorse the minor to the appropri-
ate health worker for RH services after proper counselling.
RH concerns produce numerous and various emotional re-
sponses to each member of the family. Parents protective
responses would likely produce undesirable results. The utili-
zation of local social welfare workers diminishes the emotion
in decision-making, thus, making a more rational approach in
addressing RH concerns.
The third option is the insertion of RH services and counselling
provisions in the proposed Magna Carta on Youth should the
RH law be declared void by the Supreme Court.
Conclusion and recommendations
In terms of political acceptability, OPTION 2 (provision of RH
services through recommendation of a qualified social welfare
worker) will likely need more resources and capability building
processes. In addition, option 2 will require more investment to
sustain the counselling aspect of the policy proposal. On the
other hand, option 2 will likely have better social rate of return
than option 1 because it is expected that counselling will result
to adolescent behaviour change. Moreover, eventual access
of the youth to RH services will tend to lead to lesser teenage
LOCAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EMPOWERMENT ACT:
STRENGTHENING YOUTH PARTICIPATION
This policy brief provides the rationale for the enactment of the Local Youth Development Empowerment Act. It shows
recommended measures creating enabling mechanisms for meaningful participation of youth in nation building.
I. Introduction
The Philippines is a young country where the youth, aged
15-30 years old (RA 8044), comprises 28 percent of the total
population of 93.34 million (NSO, 2010). Their views undoubt-
edly have important weight on how the government should
formulate policies and programs.
With youth participation as a significant factor in governance,
the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) was created through the
enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991. This law
empowered the youth by giving them mandate in governance
and decision-making at the local level through policy and pro-
gram formulation and project implementation.
The SK has been considered as a unique and genuine system
of youth participation worldwide. However, the SK as an insti-
tution has been challenged by several allegations of corrup-
tion and inefficient governance (UP-CIDDS, 2007). These led
many legislators to propose bills that would strengthen, re-
form or abolish the SK. There were also proposed legislations
for the creation of other mechanisms promoting development
for the youth.
Together with government and nongovernment agencies,
international and local organizations, the academe, youth
pregnancy and better population management.
Option 3 (RH insertion to Magna Carta of Youth) has the same
advantages and disadvantages with option 2.
The proposed policy options offer huge advantage and
protection to all youth age groups. It recognizes that youth
between 15-17 years old are just as vulnerable and requires the
same level of service and protection as the rest of the youth
age groups. Requiring prior parental consent would make the
chances of getting the appropriate response relatively small.
Therefore, OPTION 2 and OPTION 3 are strongly recommend-
ed.
References:
Avendano, C. (2013, July 17). SC Extends RH LAW TRO Indefi-
nitely. Philippine Daily Inquirer .
Bernal, B. (2014, April 8). SC declares RH Law constitutional. Re-
trieved April 23, 2014, from Rappler: http://www.rappler.com/
nation/54946-supreme-court-rh-law-constitutional
Casauay, A. (2014, April 8). Struck down provisions do not
diminish RH Law. Retrieved April 23, 2014, from Rappler.
com: http://www.rappler.com/nation/54974-rh-law-rul-
ing-house-representatives-reactions
National Statistics Office. (2012). 2011 Family Health Survey.
Quezon City: NSO.
University of the Philippines Population Institute. (2014). #Sexy-
Time: Sexual behavior of Young Pinoy Adults. Quezon City:
UPPI-DRDF.
University of the Philippines Population Institute. (2013). Par-
ents Speak: Filipino fathers and mothers perspective on se
education. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Popula-
tion Institute.
Widom, C. K. (1996). Childhood victimization and subsequent
risk for promiscuity, prostitution, and teenage pregnancy: A
prospective study. American Journal of Public Health , 86 (11),
1607-1612.
orgranizations, and other important duty bearers and claim
holders, the National Youth Commission (NYC) has always
striven to be the voice of the youth through policy formulation
and advocacy. As an equally important partner, the SK has
the potential to support NYC particularly on matters related
to local youth development once youth participationreforms
are institutionalized. The NYC therefore, strongly advocates
the passage of the Local Youth Development Empowerment
Act (LYDEA). This proposed law will institutionalize Local Youth
Development Councils and reform the SK which in the end will
strengthen accountability and transpartency in governance.
II. Issues What is the current situation?
The SKs primary role is to champion youth legislations that
would address youth issues and concerns. However, given
the age and activites that the elected officials have, they face
a lot of challenges especially with regard to the execution of
their tasks. First, most SK officials are not of legal age, which
ultimately do not enable them to enter in contracts without a
person with legal capability to accompany them. Second, there
were no provisions on dynasty rule. And finally, transparency
on the use of the SK funds was not assured. Therefore, there is
a need to reform the structure of the SK so as to eliminate their
previously encountered problems.
On 24 September 2013, the Congress ratified the bicameral
report on the postponement of the SK elections. Consequent-
ly, on 3 October 2013, President Benigno Aquino III signed
20
Republic Act 10632 or An Act to Postpone the Sangguniang
Kabataan Elections on 28 October 2013, Amending for the Pur-
pose Republic Act 9340 and for other Purposes. This entail no
holdover capacity to the last SK officers who held their posi-
tions prior the supposed date of SK elections. It is said that the
postponement will pave the way for any amendments or re-
forms to be formulated for the SK to become a more effective
youth arm at the local area. However, whether or not there will
be any changes to the structure of the SK, the elections will
still push through between 28 October 2014 and 23 February
2015, depending on the date the Commission on Elections will
set. Meanwhile, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA
10632 specifically stated that the SK funds should be used for
skills trainings, health services and facilities.
The Youth in Nation Building Act or RA 8044 has created the
National Youth Commission (NYC) so that the government
can fulfill its responsibility to enable the youth to fulfill their
vital role in nation-building. Among its goals is to encourage
youth involvement in character-building and development
activities for civic efficiency, stewardship of natural resources,
agricultural and industrial productivity as well as participation
in structures for policymaking and program implementation to
reduce the incidence of poverty and accelarate socioeconomic
development. Inspite of its mandate, NYC encounters diffi-
culties in pursuing youth development policy initiatives at the
grassroots level. In this sense, the NYC envisions the creation
of a more effective program and policy facilitation and formu-
lation through the enactment of the Local Youth Development
Empowerment Act.
III. Local Youth Development Empowerment Act: Call for legis-
lative approval
Since the a significant number of the countrys population be-
long to the youth sector, it is imperative that policies and pro-
grams take into account their impact on the youth. In this end,
the Local Youth Development Empowerment Act (LYDEA) is
proposed. The act aims to promote the youths physical, moral,
spiritual, intellectual and social well-being, inculcating patri-
otism, nationalism and other desirable values, and ultimately
encouraging active and meaningful participation in public and
civic affairs among the youth.
Thus, LYDEA highlights the creation of adequate, effective,
responsive and enabling mechanisms and support system that
would ensure the meaningful participation of the young Filipi-
nos in local governance. The proposed Local Youth Develop-
ment Empowerment Act calls for the following actions
Reform the Sangguniang Kabataan
Institutionalize the Local Youth Development Councils
Create Local Youth Development Offices
Reform the Sanggunaniang Kabataan (SK)
A more participatory role for the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK)
- This entails revolutionizing the KK or those registered voters
aged 15-24 years old, making their roles more clear and em-
powered.
- The KK will be consulted in all plans and programs of the
barangay especially for the youth.
- The KK has the power to initiate or file any complaint against
any erring SK official.
- The KK can create any committee it deems necessary to im-
plement youth programs and policies.
SK structural change A BIG MUST!
- The SK officials will come from the KK.
- Composition
o Elected positions: Chairperson and 7 Councilors
o Appointed positions: Secretary and Treasurer
- Age qualifications:
Chairperson 18-24 years old
Councilors 18-24 years old
(Note: 1. The KK age is between 15-24 years old. 2. Any KK may
run for office even if his/her age is already 24 years old.)
- The KK may run for as long as he/she has no family ties with
any elected official within the fourth degree of consanguinity.
- The main task of the SK is to craft the Comprehensive Baran-
gay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) which is based on the
Comprehensive Development Plans of the Barangay, Munici-
pality, Province / City, abd the Philippine Youth Development
Plan.
- The SK shall therefore ensure that the CBYDP will be ef-
fectively implemented since they will need to present their
accomplishments not only to the KK but also to the concerned
21
LGU offices.
- More importantly, the SK shall have 10% of the Barangay fund
where 2% will go to the Local Youth Development Councils.
- The SK will need to disclose all expenditures concerning
public interest.
- USAGE OF THE FUNDS ALLOCATED AND THE FUNDS GIVEN
TO THE SK BY OTHER DONORS/SPONSORS SHALL BE SUB-
JECT TO ALL AUDING LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Institutionalize the Local Youth Development Councils (LYDC)
The institutionalization of the Local Youth Development
Councils is perceived to ensure wide and multi-sectoral youth
participation in local governance.
Structure
- There shall be an LYDC in every municipality, city, and prov-
ince.
- It will be composed of not more than two representatives of
the different classifications of duly organized and/or accred-
ited youth and youth-serving organizations who are at aged
15-24 years old. Their membership shall not be more than two
years.
- Youth and youth-serving organizations must therefore reg-
ister and be granted accreditation by the NYC so they can be
recognized for the LYDC.
- The LYDC members shall elect among themselves the follow-
ing:
o President
o Vice President
o Secretary
o Treasurer
- The elected president of the LYDC shall serve as an ex-officio
member of the Sangguniang Bayan / Panlungsod / Panlalaw-
igan .
Functions
- It shall advocate youth participation in nation-building as well
as youth empowerment.
- In coordination with various agencies and offices, it shall
ensure that the data about the youth are updated.
- The LYDC has the main task to formulate the Comprehen-
sive Youth Development Plan for the Youth in their province/
municipality/city so as to prioritize programs, projects and
activities to be implemented in their locality.
- The LYDC shall make sure that enabling mechanisms to
consult the youth regarding their opinions and feedback are at
place.
- It shall also recommend to the Sangguniang Bayan policies
that will address issues concerning the youth.
- The LYDC shall also monitor the implementation of youth
development programs and projects of the SK and how they
use their funds.
Create Local Youth Development Office (LYDO)
- It is important that each LGU shall have an LYDO which func-
tions as the secretariat, technical, and operational support to
the LYDC.
V. Conclusion
Youth participation in policy formulation for development is
critical. The proposed Local Youth Development Empower-
ment Act (LYDEA) recognizes this important fact.
The National Youth Commission strongly pushes for the pas-
sage of the LYDEA. Not only will it widen the scope for youth
participation, it will also strengthen avenues for youth policy
and program formulation by means of enabling structures and
mechanisms aimed at creating and monitoring strong youth
development plans.
References:
One World Action for a Just and Equal World. (May 2008). Citi-
zens participation and local governance in South East Asia.
UP-CIDDS. (2007). The Impact of Youth Participation in the
Local Government Process: The Sangguniang Kabataan Experi-
ence. Makati City: UNICEF, NBOO-DILG.
Other References:
Draft Local Youth Development Empowerment Act
Local Government Code of 1991
Republic Act 8044
Republic Act 9164
Republic Act 10632
NYC Policy Briefs
MINDANAO YOUTH AGENDA: THE ESSENCE OF MINDANAOS
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
This briefer discusses the importance of integrating the strategic directions towards youth
development in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework.
What is the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Frame-
work?
Mindanao the southernmost island group in the Philippines
with almost a quarter of the Philippines population and about
27 indigenous cultural communities (MSDF, 2010) has a long
history marred by division, fear, ruined hopes and frustration
(MinDA, 2012). In this sense rises the need to create a future of
unity, optimism, pride and contentment among all the resi-
dents of Mindanao (ibid.). This is exactly the main goal of the
Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework (Minda
2020). Spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority
(MinDA), developed through a highly participatory process of
consultations, workshops, focus group discussions, interviews,
surveys and researches, the Minda 2020 covers the period
of 2011 to 2030 with a vision of creating a coherent guide for
the development of Mindanao regardless of ethno-cultural,
sectoral and socioeconomic backgrounds (ibid.). Through this
framework, directions were set, broad strategies were formu-
lated, and concrete initiatives for these strategies were crafted,
with Mindanao as its backdrop. The framework will guide local
and regional plans to ensure consistency and coherence using
a Mindanao-wide perspective. With great emphasis on the
social and cultural differences, this framework establishes a
broad approach to the current issues on development faced by
the Mindanawons.
The need for the Mindanao Youth Agenda
In line with the launch of the Minda 2020 and alongside the
development of the Philippine Youth Development Plan, the
National Youth Commission (NYC) recognized the challenge of
strengthening youth-related initiatives in the island. The Minda
2020 undoubtedly identified the youth sector as one of the key
drivers to Mindanaos present and future development. Thus,
through the NYC initiative of strengthening youth participation
in the development process, the Mindanao Youth Agenda was
crafted. The Mindanao Youth Agenda is aimed to be integrat-
ed in the Minda 2020 so that the development framework
will have an outcome that specifically targets the youth, who
comprise the majority of the population in Mindanao.
One major strategy of the Mindanao Youth Agenda is that it
should be a product of a consultation mechanism throughout
the region. In a consultation workshop conducted by NYC,
the Mindanawon youth face issues in education, environ-
ment, and health. The effects of violence, political unrest and
cultural limitations greatly affect the drop-out rate of most
of the Mindanawon youth in areas affected. In the realm of
employment, aside from violence, political unrest and even
cultural factors, migration within and outside of the country
face an imminent future as potential work force are challenged
due to the limited supply of employment opportunities in the
island. In terms of health, education on basic health and sexual
knowledge should be established. Aside from that, access to
proper nutrition and health care services should be improved
especially considering that most families in Mindanao have low
income and do not have access to health care facilities. Other
issues the youth face are vulnerability to abuse, exploitation,
and displacement. Thus, the youth of Mindanao recommend
the following actions to address the challenges they face (Min-
danao Youth Agenda):
1. Maximize involvement of the youth in all development pro-
cesses not only in the region but in their respective localities
increase youth participation;
2. Strengthen partnership among the youth and other stake-
holders;
3. Institutionalize youth development plans in the local gov-
ernment units;
4. Creation and institutionalization of local youth development
councils or similar structures in the LGUs of Mindanao;
5. Improve information dissemination of available services for
the youth (i.e. grants, scholarships, livelihood programs);
6. Promote entrepreneurship and provide avenues to sustain
businesses established by the youth; and
7. Improve access to quality services and facilities for the
youth.
From these recommendations, the Mindanao Youth 9 Point
Agenda was crafted. These 9 Point Agenda is basically the
framework for the implementation of strategies for the youth,
based on the Philippine Youth Development Plan as well as the
Millennium Development Goals:
1. Quality health services for all;
2. Affordable, accessible quality education for all;
3. Improving food security through sustainable agri
culture;
4. Maximize environmental resources against climate
change;
5. Safe and secure environment;
6. Cultural preservation and appreciation;
7. Maximizing youth potential;
8. Balanced and sustainable empowerment; and
9. Valuing positive lifestyle for young Mindanawans
The NYC aims to integrate these 9-Point Agenda in the Minda
2020. By so doing, the local government units are also able
to realize the need to establish youth-specific mechanisms,
policies, services and facilities in order for youth development
to prosper.
The integration of the Mindanao Youth Agenda is deemed
essential to the development of the youth in the island. Not
only does this results to a more participatory approach of pro-
vision of services and formulation of policies, integration of the
9-Point Agenda in the Minda 2020 also assures that the most
vulnerable sector of Mindanao are given the chance to engage
in matters that are important to them. By enabling these
9-Point Agenda to be implemented as localized programs and
policies, monitoring the outcomes will definitely give all the
stakeholders the overall picture of the situation of the youth
in the island which up to now is still a challenge to policy
makers in the country.
References:
Mindanao Development Authority. (2012, December 6). Mind-
anao 2020 Executive Summary. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from
Mindanao Development Authority: http://www.minda.gov.ph/
site/About-MinDA/Mindanao-2020/Executive-Summary/
National Youth Commission. (2013). (Working Paper) Mindanao
Youth Agenda.
22
STUDENTS HEARD (OR NOT?): INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF STUDENT
REPRESENTATION IN TERTIARY SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARDS
This policy brief is a summary of the context, issues involved and policy recommendations on institu-
tionalizing student representation in school governing bodies, primarily in the tertiary level.
Introduction
It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the
rights and welfare of the Filipino students, to access relevant
and quality education at all levels regardless of sexual orienta-
tion, ethnicity, economic status, religious beliefs or affiliation.
In effectively doing this, students should be able to actively
and effectively participate in the democratic processes relating
to issues that affect them. However, is this realized?
Thus, there is a need to provide policy directions in order to
effectively create mechanisms to make sure the students have
avenues to participate in the tertiary education level, especially
in matters connecting to them. One way is through the revision
of the Manual of Private Higher Education Institutions (2008).
The Manual stated that the rights and welfare of students will
be protected, but there was no mention of student participa-
tion in the school governing bodies. Another track is through
the enactment of the Magna Carta of Youth where one of its
most salient provisions is the institutionalization of student
representation in the governing bodies of the tertiary level
schools. These two policy tracks will be discussed herewith.
The National Youth Commission (NYC), being the focal gov-
ernment agency for the Filipino youth, strongly supports the
advocacy for student representation in the governing board of
both public and private school, as immortalized in the Philip-
pine Youth Development Plan 2012-2016. Through this policy
brief, NYC provides policy recommendations to institutionalize
the representation of students in the governing bodies of high-
er institutions of learning.
Context: Student rights and welfare
The 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of
the youth in nation-building and recognizes the need for
their involvement in public and civic affairs. This was further
emphasized in RA 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act of
1995. In fact, the Philippines has made significant inroads in
institutionalizing youth participation through the Sangguniang
Kabataan a vital policy and program implementing youth arm
in the local government units. The World Programme of Action
for Youth (2010) emphasizes the importance of the involve-
ment of the youth in participating fully and effectively in the
decision-making process of the society.
However, one significant area for student participation is se-
verely lacking that is in the realm of education, specifically in
higher or tertiary level education. involved even to the level of planning and decision-making as
Do students know their rights and welfare?
NYC believes that policies and programs that will contribute to
the protection of rights and welfare of the students should be
implemented. However, do students know their basic rights?
In a consultation conducted by several student organizations,
which was held on 26 August 2010 with the Commission on
Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, student lead-
ers were able to voice out a variety of concerns, one of which is
the push to involve students in student governing bodies.
Student responses:
The students stated that education should not be for busi-
ness and profit, but is primarily a social service, and CHED
should ensure the implementation of such principle.
There is a need to review the consultation and approval pro-
cess of tuition rates.
Many students complain that the consultation process is not
at all a consultation but only a for-your-information meeting.
In this sense, students have no real part in decision-making.
Increases in miscellaneous fees, increases in tuition of
freshmen, and certain automatic increases are exempt from
consultation.
There are reported cases wherein there student councils and
publications are shut down because they oppose school poli-
cies or join political activities
23
The student leaders also pushed for student representation
in the board of trustees or major decision making bodies of
private universities and colleges, something that SUCs cur-
rently implement.
Source: Crisostomo, 2010
In another more recent national consultation conducted by the
NYC about the Students Rights and Welfare bill held in 2013,
students were asked about their views on student representa-
tion in school governing bodies. The following are the respons-
es of the youth present:
- Students should be involved in the policymaking bodies
either through surveys or by representation.
- The student representative should be selected by the stu-
dent body.
- Consultations must be conducted with the student body for
student-based policy concerns such as tuition fee increase,
change in curriculum, etc.
- The University Disciplinary Board should also be composed of
a student appointed by the Student Council.
- Drafting of the Student Handbook should be a function of
the Student Body.
- The existing policy on governing boards is subject to limita-
tions such as administrative approval before publications or
announcements.
Student leaders are aware about their rights. However, are the
rest of the students aware of these? In this sense, participation
in the decision-making process of the governing board seems
the most important track for their participation.
Exercising the right to participate
There are other avenues for youth participation, specifically in
the decision-making processes, such as the Sangguniang Ka-
bataan and the student councils. Student councils in essence
are representative of the voice of the whole student body,
although they are not directly involved in decision-making.
However, participation in a more powerful role which is to be
part of the governing and decision-making processes of the
school boards is not institutionalized.
Participation is important because, according to Leatherman
and Howell (November 2000), it will achieve a more inclusive
planning that is attuned to the needs of the constituents and
also, to educate the nonparticipating public by reaching to
them. In other words, for student participation, they are to be
to which regulations and rules should be implemented.
Participation in the governing bodies is actually a good train-
ing ground for students especially on decision-making. Add to
this the fact that especially in the tertiary level, students are
presumed to be the next decision-makers of the country. By
allowing students to participate in decision-making, whether
directly or indirectly, students are trained to make meaningful
and important decisions of their own.
CHED, HEIs, academic freedom: Problems identified
When one talks about student representation in govern-
ing boards, SUCs are at the forefront. By virtue of RA 8292,
students are given the slot in the governing boards. By so
doing, the student representative also has equal rights to vote,
decide and enact rules and regulations for the whole school.
However, this law only applies to SUCs. In this sense, CHED
crafted the Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Education
Institutions (2008) which provides for the proper, effective
and reasonable implementation of the laws, rules and regu-
lations affecting the private higher education in the country
(ibid. 2008, pg. 13).
The importance of the concept of academic freedom is present
in the Manual. It gives powers to the Governing Board which
shall exercise the general supervision, have exclusive control
and direction of all funds, prescribe policies, make rules and
regulations and establish practices (Manual, 2008, pg. 47) that
are not inconsistent with the rules of CHED. Qualifications of
the prospective members of the Governing Board were listed
down. However, there was no specific provision on including
student representatives in the board.
There is a severe lack of a national policy that will strategically
guarantee the institutionalization of student representation
in school governing boards especially in private HEIs. The
offshoot will be the continuous implementation of school rules
and regulations that may sometimes hamper the welfare of
the students, which is primarily present in the private HEIs
setup. Thus, the NYC proposes two different tracks 1) revision
of the CHED Manual and 2) Magna Carta of Youth.
Policy directions
The first track is through the revision of the Manual:
1. It should specifically indicate the right of the students to par-
ticipate in school governance and decision-making process.
2. Since the main challenge is the interests of the HEIs, in-
centives should be given to schools which promote student
participation.
3. In the same light, disincentives should be given to HEIs
which do not promote student participation.
4. CHED shall issue a Memorandum Circular engaging all CHED
offices to uphold and implement the provisions of the revised
Manual.
Pros:
- Easier to pass through coordinative and consultative meet-
ings.
Cons:
- The most challenging aspect in the implementation of
CHEDs mandate is its regulatory functions on private tertiary
schools which account for about 88% of the total HEIs nation-
wide.
- Can only be suggestive or recommendatory.
The second track is through the enactment of the Magna Carta
of Youth:
1. The Magna Carta of Youth is a comprehensive policy that has
NYC Policy Briefs
YOUTH REPRESENT! BOOSTING THE YOUTHS INVOLVEMENT
IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
This policy brief recommends the involvement of the youth in the disaster risk reduction efforts of the government through representing
their sector at the national and local level of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Philippines.
Executive summary
It is hereby proposed that the National Youth Commission
(NYC) shall sit as a member of the National Disaster Risk Re-
duction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Since Republic
Act (RA) No. 8044 mandates and designates the NYC as the na-
tional youth arm, its presence in the NDRRMC will ensure that
all knowledge materials will also be seen through the lens of
the youth. Its network of youth organizations will also be able
to receive information, thus prompting them to act efficiently
and effectively during disasters. The only drawback is that the
NYC currently has no local offices.
To address this issue, a second option is hereby proposed. It
is suggested that youth organizations shall sit as members
of their corresponding Local Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Councils (LDRRMCs). This will pave the way for
a more organized dissemination of information pertinent to
DRRM activities, which, in turn, will help establish youth partic-
ipation even at the grassroots.
a specific provision on student representation is HEI governing
boards.
2. Once passed, it will guarantee that the State will promote
the rights and welfare of the youth by engaging all govern-
ment agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and other stakeholders to fulfill
its provisions.
3. The National Youth Commission shall be the overall monitor-
ing body and oversight to ensure the implementation of this
policy.
Pros:
- Comprehensive.
- Legislative approval is a more powerful policy track.
Cons:
- May need more supporters since there is power in numbers.
- Has been in the legislative agenda for a very long time now.
Conclusion
The rights and welfare of the vulnerable sector should be
protected at all costs. In this realm, the students are consid-
ered the marginalized sector. They need to be represented in
matters that concern them.
The lack of a comprehensive national policy that will ensure
the protection of their rights is a big challenge to their devel-
opment. NYC believes that through an inclusive and enabling
policy that ensures student representation, the development
of the students is upheld.
References:
Students Rights and Welfare (no date). AKBAYAN. Re-
trieved from: http://akbayanyouth.wordpress.com/cam-
paigns-and-activities/straw/
Commission on Higher Education. (2008) Manual of Regula-
tions for Private Higher Education of 2008. Retrieved from
http://goo.gl/N1gI3o
Consolidated House Bill 11614 and Senate Bill 1977 Approved
by Senate President Senator Angara and Speaker of the House
Jose De Venecia: Republic Act 8044 The Youth in Nation
Building Act, An Act Creating the National Youth Commission:
June 2, 1995
1987 Philippine Constitution
Introduction
The Philippines is known as one of the most disaster-prone
countries in the world. In the World Disaster Report 2012, it
ranked third after Tonga and Vanuatu (Quismundo, 2012).
Natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, have re-
sulted to loss of lives, health problems, property damage, and
social and economic disruption from 2000 until 2012 (Natural
Disasters At A Glance, 2013).
When Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) hit the central
Philippines in November 2013, around four million people were
displaced, most of them hailing from the Eastern Visayas,
which was the most devastated region. (Baylis & Larano, 2013)
Thirty (30) percent, or 1.2 million, of those affected were the
youth (mostly aged 15 to 24), making them one of the vulnera-
ble sectors in terms of disaster risk (Reconstruction Assistance
on Yolanda, 2013).
However, the youth must also be treated as potential partners
in DRR (Fernandez & Shaw, International Journal of Disaster
Risk Science, 2013). Youth organizations across the coun-
try conduct series of safety-related activities, which include
24
swimming lessons, disaster preparedness and open-water
safety training, and are likewise involved in response and
recovery. Including the Filipino youth in the DRR processes
shall improve their safety from disasters, making them sources
of action-oriented risk reduction activities and coping capaci-
ties. (Fernandez & Shaw, International Journal of Disaster Risk
Science, 2013)
Where is the youth in the DRR process?
With the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, the push for partici-
patory DRR has become stronger, especially in including the
youth in the processes. Although they themselves are vulner-
able to disasters, they possess significant qualities that could
serve as an important resource for households and commu-
nities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from
disasters (Fernandez & Shaw, International Journal of Disaster
Risk Science, 2013).
In the Philippines, youth participation is apparent mainly
through: 1) the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the youth coun-
cils in the barangays and 2) youth organizations (Fernandez
& Shaw, International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2013).
But even with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010, the government remains silent in
the active role of the youth in the processes. This policy brief,
in turn, focuses on how the Filipino youth can be involved in
the DRR efforts of the government in terms of national and
local scope, providing them venues in the phases of planning,
decision-making and implementation in the DRRM.
Policy options
Inclusion of NYC in the NDRRMC
The NYCs membership in the NDRRMC shall adequately pro-
mote and realize youth participation in the NDRRM process.
(Fernandez & Shaw, International Journal of Disaster Risk Sci-
ence, 2013) With RA No. 8044 as the legal basis and overseer in
the implementation of the Philippine Youth Development Plan
(PYDP), NYC is in the best position to adequately promote the
youths interests.
As such, membership in the NDRRMC shall ensure that
youth-sensitive provisions are integrated in the development
of its policies and knowledge materials. Moreover, with a
thousand NYC-registered youth organizations nationwide,
realizing youth participation judicious decision-making is facil-
itated through this extensive network on disaster risk reduc-
tion and management interventions.
However, NYCs presence in only seven area offices, namely
in the cities of Baguio, Naga, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro
and Zamboanga, and total absence in the local levels presents
a critical challenge in ensuring youth participation through
representation.
Inclusion of youth organizations, including the SK, as a mem-
ber of the DRRMC in the provincial, municipal, and barangay
level
The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act
of 2010 in Section 14 states that involvement of the youth in
disaster risk reduction program in the community particularly
in disaster prone areas. (Congress of the Philippines, 2010)
To intensify participation in the local DRR efforts, commu-
nity-based youth organizations and the SK must take the
initiative to represent their sector in the DRRMC. Since 1992,
the SK became a model of youth participation in the country.
They are represented from the barangay up to the national
level. Furthermore, other youth organizations like the Philip-
pine Red Cross Youth, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and
the Girl Scouts of the Philippines can help in the DRRM efforts
of the localities.
25
The organizations must be consulted and must have more
roles and responsibilities in DRRM efforts not just as beneficia-
ries but partners in policy development.
The inclusion of youth organizations and the SK in the local
DRRMCs ensures representation of youth concern in every
DRRM policy level from the provinces down to the barangays.
As a result, their representation will enhance the role of the
youth in DRR efforts.
Conclusion
The implementation of both policy options will ensure that
their proposed purposes and functions will complement each
other. The NYC will serve as a member of the NDRRMC, thus
giving proper representation for the youth in the national
level. This will guarantee that all programs and activities of the
NDRRMC will have youth-oriented counterparts.
However, as stated above, the NYC has a limited ability to act
within the grassroots level. The youth organizations will then
act as the medium of the NYC to properly reach down to the
localities since those directly affected by issues are among
those most able to define their problems and contribute to the
development of appropriate solutions. The said organizations
will be more efficient in mobilizing the youth in the localities,
therefore ensuring that all DRRM activities will be properly
integrated in their respective communities.
References:
Baylis, P., & Larano, C. (2013, November 18). Philippines Disaster
Leaves Millions Without Homes. Retrieved March 19, 2014, from
The Wall Street Journal - Asia: http://online.wsj.com/news/ar-
ticles/SB10001424052702303985504579205942358347928
Congress of the Philippines. (2010, May 7). Republic Act
No. 10121. Retrieved March 19, 2014, from The LawPhil Proj-
ect: http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2010/
ra_10121_2010.html
Fernandez, G. (2012). Youth Participation in Disaster Risk Re-
duction. Kyoto, Japan.
Fernandez, G., & Shaw, R. (2013). Retrieved March 19, 2014, from
International Journal of Disaster Risk Science: http://download.
springer.com/static/pdf/703/art%253A10.1007%252Fs13753-
013-0014-x.pdf?auth66=1395379702_92f2a4da50d2178a44d77f-
d0203c4abd&ext=.pdf
Natural Disasters At A Glance. (2013, April). Retrieved March 19,
2014, from Senate of the Philippines: http://www.senate.gov.
ph/publications/AAG%202013-04%20-%20Natural%20Disas-
ters_final.pdf
Quismundo, T. (2012, October 16). Inquirer.net. Retrieved
March 19, 2014, from Inquirer.net: http://globalnation.inquirer.
net/52858/philippines-is-3rd-most-disaster-prone-country-
new-study-shows
Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda. (2013, December 16).
Retrieved March 19, 2014, from Official Gazette of the Repub-
lic of the Philippines: http://www.gov.ph/downloads/2013/
12dec/20131216-RAY.pdf
The National Organizing Committee
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Executive Assistant
Program and Technicals Committee
Registration, Billeting
and Delegation Services
Secretariat Committee
Screening and Selection Committee
Media and Promotions Committee
Policy and Committee Affairs
Policy Documentation Committee
Bills and Indexing
Transportation and Security
Fiance and Logistics
Sponsorship and Partnership
Program Evaluation Committee
Volunteer Facilitator
The National Youth Commission
Officials
Commissioner-at-Large jose Rafael S. Cruz
Exec. Dir. Shierwin H. Taay
Christian Jay M. Millena Leon Flores III, CESE
Head Commissioner Perci Cendaa Chairman and CEO
Members Ernest Lucas
Jose Cielos
Cherry Carag Jose Rafael S. Cruz
Elsa Magdaleno Commissioner-at-Large
Nio Sialongo
Romero Quiambao
Percival V. Cendaa
Head Cristabeth Madrigal
Members Rose Madamba
Commissioner-at-Large
Lyn Robles
Augusto Daquioag Gregorio Ramon A. Tingson
Head Marielou Chua Commissioner Representing Luzon
Asst. Head Erik Ramos
Head Melanio Santella Erwin C. Andaya
Members Ding Quiazon Commissioner Representing Visayas
Jun Angeles
Jigs Pasamba
Raymond Domingo Earl Saavedra
Nydia Paladan Commissioner Representing Mindanao
Queen Dadulo
Julius Gutierrez
Shierwin H. Taay
Head Dennis Mendoza
Members Lorenzo Ebalo Executive Director and COO
Ma-anne Cauton
Head Robinson Espinoza
Members Jeng Salmo
Didith Fernando
JB Guttierez
Dennis Santos
Head Office
Head Cyndi Enriquez 4F Bookman Bldg., 373 Quezon Ave., Quezon City
Members Ariane Coronel Tel. No. (02) 448 7440 / (02) 416 2833
Sheridan Gajete
Northern Luzon Office Northeastern Mindanao Office
Head Atty. Wilan Garcia No. 12 Legarda Road, Baguio City Tiano-Gomez St., Cagayan de Oro City
Member Jocelyn Fernandez Tel. No. (074) 619 0511 Tel. No. (888) 857 5895
Teddy Bonitez
Southern Luzon Office Western Mindanao Office
Head Manny Nicdao
Members Ali Tedding G/F Naga City Youth Center Bldg. 3/F Atilano Bldg., Veterans Ave.,
Erica Borja Taal Ave., Magsaysay, Naga City Zamboanga City
Mark Fernandez Tel. No. (054) 473 0435 Tel No. (062) 992 4851
Head Art Magadan Visayas Office Office Davao Office
Members Bing Mondejar 5/F B.F. Bldg. N. Escario St., Cebu City G/F Door 1, Fuentes Bldg., Quirino St., Davao City
Egay Facistol Tel. No. (032) 268 9531
Velsie Querubin
Head Glenn Fernandez www.nyc.gov.ph
www.facebook.com/NYC
Head Jojo Rigor
Member Lindy Gamolo @NYCPilipinas
Bryan Asiatico
Fharnieza Mohammad
Claide Kinneth Saludar
Vincent Villeza
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