BAGUIO CITY — The National Youth Commission and the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Foundation call on the Filipino youth to actively participate towards community and nation building.
During the TAYO Talks at Saint Louis University here, Cristabeth Madrigal of NYC outlined that aside from finding ways to be part of addressing the prevailing issues and concern that the youth are facing today, it is also the government’s goal for the younger generations of Filipinos to become active citizens and help bring about a better Philippines.
“We want the youth to go out and develop themselves. We want to see that the Philippines become a better country because of you. You are already leaders in your school organizations. If the Sangguniang Kabataan pushes through, go out and become youth leaders in your community and eventually to be the new leaders of the country,” Madrigal enjoined.
Being an active citizen does not require one to become a known or big personality, what is important is what you contribute in your community and country, not only thinking of the problem but be part of the solution, she added.
TAYO Foundation Executive Director James De Vera bared that in line with dream of a better Philippines, youth participation still has a long way to go and this really matters as the youth comprise around 30 percent of the population.
De Vera cited a study that around 96 percent of the Filipino youth have the potential to be positive contributor but only 26 percent wants to be change makers.
“I know you have dreams for yourselves and for your families but you also have responsibility to your communities and to the country,” De Vera stressed.
On youth participation, De Vera urged the youth sector to ask their curious mind where they can contribute, for them to appreciate things around them and for them to believe in people whom they want to help.
The TAYO Talks in SLU, which was attended by student organization leaders, was the last leg of the information road show for call of entries to the 15th TAYO Awards.
Two former TAYO winners, Jason Balag-ey of the Brotherhood for Peace, a Baguio-based organization (TAYO 8 awardee), and SLU student Diwata Donato, also of the Red Cross Youth of Cauyan City National High School (TAYO 12 awardee) shared the stories of their projects.
The TAYO awards is about finding, recognizing and rewarding youth organizations’ outstanding contributions to their communities and to the country. Through sharing the TAYO stories, the search aims to empower and inspire others to create their own stories geared towards building a better Philippines. JDP/Carlito Dar-PIA CAR