The reality is, the future of our country now rests upon us, we are now entering an age where governance will now be passed on to us. So, let us harness and nurture the chance to be of genuine service to others.
— Commissioner Reena Vivienne Pineda, National Youth Commission
Commissioner Reena Vivienne Pineda of the National Youth Commission encouraged youth leaders to stay firm in their convictions during the launching of POGCHAMPS: Project Open (Youth) Government Champions last February 17–18 at De La Salle University Malate, Manila.
"Remember that we must all recognize our privileges and not everyone has the privilege to stand up and fight for other people's lives. So, if you are in the position to do so, you should do it," Commissioner Pineda added.
Dr. Ador Torneo, Director of the La Salle Institute of Governance, stressed that the youth is vital to fostering open government for sustainable and inclusive development.
"The youth comprises now more than half of the Philippine population and is a key player in fostering open government. Your active participation introduces new ideas, innovations, and energy and contributes to the vibrant functioning of our democracy."
Local Youth Politics and Governance
The first module of the training program focused on the review of concepts, principles, and practices of local youth governance. Ian Jayson Hecita, policy research specialist at La Salle Institute of Governance, tackled the essence of public financial management and the public’s trust in sustainable local youth governance and open government. He also presented the I4- Juan model (Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Information- driven) as principles of open government.
Participants undergo a workshop to identify the roles and responsibilities of each actor in the youth governance ecosystem. The activity resulted in the discussion of the legal basis of the functions of each stakeholder versus the actual practice on the ground. The resource person, Crystal Eunice Dela Cruz of Civil Society Coalition on the Convention on the Rights of Children said, "There should be a clear line on accountability, especially on items with a tendency to overlap functions."
Open Government and Good Governance
Infanta, Quezon Vice Mayor Lord Arnel “L.A.” Ruanto led the discussion on the principles and practices of open government and good governance. He emphasized PAT, or People’s Participation, Accountability, and Transparency, as the key characteristics of open government and good governance.
Vice Mayor Ruanto, who entered politics almost immediately after college, shared a guide and other practical tips for practicing transparency and accountability in a local government.
"The essence of transparency and good governance is not just about making information available and accessible to the public but also ensuring that the information is understood and appreciated by the people," he added.
Integrating transparency and accountability in the planning process
"The ability to have vision and mission in local youth development is a vital key that youth leaders must know." Jose Cielos, OIC Division Chief of the Regional Youth Development Division under NYC, underscored during his presentation on local youth development planning. He named Local Youth Development Council, Local Youth Development Office, and Sangguniang Kabataan as key institutions involved in local youth development planning. Cielos also identified vision, consultation, and monitoring as the building blocks in the planning process.
Concluding the first module was a session covering participatory governance in developing concrete actions through consultations and engagements. Founders of Hirayang Kabataan, Atty. Carlo Africa and Iya Gamboa led the workshop on formulating a Consulting Community Plan. This plan aims to guide the participants identify their local issues by consulting key stakeholders as they develop their local youth development plans.
Youth governance leaders from 12 LGUs across the country—Catbalogan City; Iloilo City; Malabon City; Manila City; Quezon City; Balete, Aklan; Irosin, Sorsogon; Maddela, Quirino; Odiongan, Romblon; San Mateo, Rizal; Province of Albay; Province of Northern Samar—attended and actively participated in the first module of the training program, which was implemented in a hybrid setup.
Organized by the La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG), with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and in partnership with the Galing Pook Foundation, POGCHAMPS is a training program for LGUs towards practicing the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation in local youth governance systems.