Youth

Sen. Bam: Encourage youth to help gov’t anti-drug campaign through SK

Sen. Bam Aquino wants to see the Sangguniang Kabataan elections push through this October and allow the youth to help in the government’s anti-drug campaign.

“Instead of inciting fear, let’s give the youth the opportunity to help solve the drug problem and other issues in their community. Let’s encourage them through the SK,” said Sen. Bam.

During the Senate hearing on measures seeking to postpone the barangay and SK polls, Sen. Bam urged fellow lawmakers and concerned government to look into the possibility of holding a separate SK polls in October this year, saying the implementation of Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act is long overdue.

“The last SK election was 7 years ago. Since then, we’ve reformed the SK and even included an anti-political dynasty provision. I would personally want to see the SK elections push through to empower our youth leaders,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam Aquino has long advocated for the Filipino youth as a student leader and former chairman of the National Youth Commission.

Sen. Bam pushed for the RA 10742 SK Reform law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

The law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

The law also requires SK officials to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.​

Sen. Bam is also the principal sponsor and one of the co-authors of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Sen. Bam to youth: Government needs you

More than ever, the government needs young, passionate and idealistic leaders to help change it from within.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this pronouncement in the light of moves to postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated in the last Monday of October this year.

 According to the senator, more young Filipinos are joining the national conversation, taking to the streets to air their grievances and using social media to voice out their opinion and stand on matters of national importance.

“The SK is an opportunity to go beyond the streets, beyond social media and really work on programs to change their communities for the better,” said Sen. Bam, a former chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC).

“Many people underestimate the capability of the youth to lead but in my experience, big changes can come from the youth sector. Marami tayong youth leaders na nakakatulong sa kanilang komunidad at kailangan sila ng ating bayan,” he stressed.

 “Tama na ang walong postponements! Let’s roll out the new and improved SK and start developing better public servants for a better future,” said Sen. Bam, pertaining to Republic Act No. 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act.

 “The new and improved SK will give the youth a chance to contribute to the development of the country and emerge as better public servants in the future,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

Earlier, Sen. Bam opposed the government’s plan to postpone SK elections and appoint barangay officials instead.

 “Mahalaga na mismong taumbayan ang magpasya kung sinong lider ang nais nilang iluklok. Sa ganitong paraan, makikitang gumagana pa rin ang demokrasya sa bansa,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam: Implement law, prioritize children in Lanao del Sur

Sen. Bam Aquino called on concerned government agencies to implement a law that prioritizes the welfare and safety of children during conflicts and disasters amid the ongoing clash between government troops and the Maute group in Marawi City.

 The senator was referring to the Republic Act 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act. He was the co-author of the measure during his time as chairman of Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

“Ang pinaka-kawawa talaga sa mga sakuna at labanan ay ang mga bata. We passed this law to ensure they are protected,” said Sen. Bam.

 “May mga batang nawawalan ng tahanan at may mga nakakasaksi sa karahasan. Alagaan natin sila, tiyakin na sila’y ligtas at ibigay ang lahat ng kanilang pangangailangan,” he added.

Sen. Bam said the Department of Social Welfare and Development is mandated by law to enforce an emergency program for children during disasters and conflicts.

  “We must ensure that this law is fully implemented as it prioritizes the children during these times of armed conflict,” Sen. Bam stressed.

 Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after the United Nations Children’s Fund reported that a child was killed while 50,000 have been displaced in the Marawi conflict.

 Republic Act 10821 provides utmost priority to children during and after every disaster as they are the most vulnerable and are worst affected during disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flash floods and areas of armed conflicts like Marawi City.

It also establishes child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development.

It mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children and local government units to integrate the said program in their development and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) plans and budget.

 “The law also provides for immediately heightened comprehensive measures by DSWD and the AFP to protect women and children from sexual violence and abuse in the affected areas,” said Sen. Bam.

 

Sen. Bam: Youth Entrepreneurship Act implementation long overdue

A legislator called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement the law encouraging students and graduates to venture into business.
 
“Nananawagan tayo sa Department of Education na ilabas na ang Implementing Rules and Regulations para sa Youth Entrepreneurship Act upang mapakinabangan na ng ating mga kabataan,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.
 
The Youth Entrepreneurship Act or Republic Act No. 10679 was passed August 2015 but no IRR has been released. The law mandates that the IRR be promulgated within one hundred twenty (120) days from its effectivity.
 
The law encourages young would-be entrepreneurs to establish their own business by providing them access to capital and other support.
 
It also creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inculcate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.
 
“Gusto nating makakita ng trabaho ang ating mga graduates ngunit mayroon din silang opsiyon na pumasok at magtagumpay sa pagnenegosyo. Matutulungan sana ang ating kabataang magtagumpay sa negosyo kung ma-implement ng maayos ang iilang mga batas na ating isinulong noong 16th Congress,” said Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam was the author and principal sponsor of the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10667), his first law in the 16th Congress, and the co-author and principal sponsor of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act.
 
The senator pursued the passage of these two laws during his time as chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress to cater to the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
 
“These two laws provide MSMEs a conducive environment they need to succeed. At the same time, they also help provide fresh jobs and other livelihood opportunities for their fellow Filipinos,” stressed Sen. Bam, adding that MSMEs account for 66 percent of jobs in the country.
 
At present, Sen. Bam said 470 Negosyo Centers are already up and running in different parts of the country, catering to the needs of MSMEs.
 
In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 169 or Small Business Tax Reform Act, which provides small businesses with lower income tax rate, VAT exemption and other privileges.
 
Sen. Bam has also submitted Senate Bill No. 175 or the Innovative Startup Act seeking to ease restrictions and provide incentives for startups in the Philippines.

Bam: Submit to democracy, let people choose their barangay, SK leaders

Let people choose their barangay and youth leaders.

Sen. Bam Aquino issued this statement as he called for an extension for the voters registration of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, which is set to end on April 29.

“Importante na ang mamamamayan ang pipili ng kanilang mga pinuno sa barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan,” said Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam stressed that government should investigate and prosecute barangay officials involved in the illegal drug trade and launch an information drive to help the people make an informed choice.

 “Huwag nating alisin sa ating mga kababayan ang karapatang mamili ng mga susunod na lider ng kanilang mga komunidad,” Sen. Bam stated.

 “While we are open to issuing a hold-over status for previously elected barangay officials, let’s make sure our SK elections push through,” he added.

 Sen. Bam maintained that the reforms passed under Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act will go for naught if the SK elections will be postponed again.

“Sayang naman ang mga reporma na pinagpaguran ng kabataan at mga mambabatas kung hindi na naman matutuloy ang SK elections,” Sen. Bam, who pushed for the law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth.

The SK Reform Act is the first legislation in the country with an anti-dynasty provision. It prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

 The law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 The law also requires SK officials to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

Bam: Respect people’s right to choose leaders

A senator urged the government to respect the people’s right to choose their next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders amid the administration’s plan to postpone October village elections and appoint a new set of leaders.

“Our barangay elections are a way for us to exercise our democracy,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in a media interview

 “Mahalaga na galing sa taumbayan ang halal, especially at the smallest unit of governance, so that our officials are accountable to their constituents and serve the people. Appointing barangay officials will only strengthen the patronage system in our country,” he added.

 The senator also insisted a law is needed that will allow not just the postponement of the elections, but will grant the President the authority to appoint.

Sen. Bam insisted that elections must push through this October to give people a chance to choose their next barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders.

 Sen. Bam also stressed that reforms that lawmakers fought for in Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act will go down the drain if the SK elections will be postponed anew.

“Maganda ang mga repormang nakapaloob sa batas na ito at napapanahon nang maipatupad. Mauuwi lang ito sa wala kung hindi na naman matutuloy ang halalan,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth.

 The first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

The law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 Furthermore, SK officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Bam urges youth to register for SK polls

Sen. Bam Aquino encouraged the youth to go out and register for the Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which will be held simultaneously with the selection of new barangay officials on October 23, 2017.

 ​​The senator made the call after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a low turnout of registrants, which number just 193,229 from January to February 10 this year.

​​The Comelec is eyeing six million new voters —two million regular-aged voters, and four million youth – before registration ends on April 29. The SK and barangay elections will be held on October 23, 2017.

​​“Now, more than ever, we must speak out, we must participate in electing our leaders,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

​​“Let’s not waste our vote​ and let’s make the most of the SK reforms we fought for in Congress,” added Sen. Bam, who pushed for passage of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress.

​​The first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

​​In addition, the law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

​​Furthermore, SK officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 ​​The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 ​The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Bam wants to involve youth in government’s disaster preparedness efforts

A senator wants to tap the youth in disaster preparedness by giving them an active role in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
 
In his Senate Bill No. 686 or the Youth Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, Sen. Bam Aquino proposes to include the Filipino youth in the government’s disaster risk reduction body to recognize their role in DRRM.
 
The measure also seeks to empower the youth with information and skills to help communities in times of crisis.
 
“With impending disasters in the country’s future, it is important to move from post-disaster relief to proactive disaster preparedness. And as the nation moves in this direction, it is important to include young Filipinos in this evolving discussion,” said Sen. Bam.
 
In the measure, the National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman will be included in the NDRRMC to voice out the concerns and proposals of the Filipino youth on disaster prevention, promotion, education, rescue and rehabilitation, among others.
 
“There is nothing to lose but so much to gain from engaging the youth in responding to natural calamities,” said Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam recognized several youth organizations that have served as volunteer firefighters, first responders and peacekeepers in their respective localities.
 
The Cebu-based Rescue Assistance Peacekeeping Intelligence Detail or RAPID was the one of the first responders in Tacloban City after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda.
 
“The group also helped rescue passengers of a passenger vessel that collided with a cargo ship in Cebu last year,” Sen. Bam said.
 
The Ormoc City-based Hayag Youth Organization, for its part, has been teaching swimming, disaster preparedness, first aid and open water safety training to the youth.
 
Today (October 13), the country joins the international community in commemorating the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

Bam: Look into state of children in conflict-torn areas

A senator has filed a resolution seeking to look into the state of the children affected by the recent military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, Sulu and other conflict-areas while the country is under state of emergency.

Sen. Bam Aquino’s Senate Resolution No. 134 is aimed at ensuring the protection, safety and well-being of children, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10821, or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.

​​“There is a need to ensure that all children in conflict-affected areas are protected from the crossfire, and that the comprehensive policies and programs envisioned in the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children during this state of emergency,” Sen. Bam said in his resolution.

​​President Duterte signed Proclamation No. 55 last September 5, 2016, placing Mindanao under a state of emergency on account of lawless violence, following the bombing of a night market that killed 14 people in Davao City.

​​The proclamation directs the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to undertake measures to suppress all forms of lawless violence in Mindanao and prevent lawless violence from spreading elsewhere across the country.

​​Based on a report by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), that as of September 5, some 1,729 family heads with 6,218 dependents from the Basilan municipalities of Sumisip, Tuburan, Moh Ajul and Akbar, were evacuated to safer areas.

​​The agency is also assisting the affected LGUs in providing food and non-food to the families, distributing a total of 2,311 family food packs to the internally displaced persons, while the DSWD-Field Office-IX has delivered 6,000 family food packs to the province.

​​In Sulu, close to 4,000 families have been displaced from their homes because of the military’s recent intensified offensive against the bandit group.

 ​​The Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act provides for the establishment of a Comprehensive Emergency Program to protect children and support their immediate recovery in times of disaster and emergency.

​​According to Sen. Bam, the program includes the identification of safe locations as evacuation centers for children and families, and establishment of child-friendly spaces.

​​“It also provides for the immediate delivery of basic necessities, and health and educational services tailored to the needs of the affected children,” the senator added.

​​The law mandates the DSWD to engage all relevant government agencies and stakeholders for the implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program.

Bam: Look after children during state of lawlessness, armed conflict

A senator called on concerned government agencies to ensure the welfare and safety of civilians, especially the children, affected by the administration’s drive against the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao and the perpetrators of the Davao bombing.

 “The welfare of our Filipino children should be the utmost priority since they are one of the most vulnerable sectors during these times of lawlessness and armed conflict,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

 According to Sen. Bam, Republic Act 10821, or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act provides utmost protection to Filipino children during disasters, calamities and armed conflicts.

 “Kasabay ng ating kampanya laban sa Abu Sayyaf, huwag nating kaligtaan ang kapakanan, pangangailangan at kaligtasan ng mga taong naaapektuhan ng bakbakan, lalo na ang mga bata,” said Sen. Bam, a co-author of the measure, which he filed during his tenure as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

 “Mahalagang matiyak natin na mayroon silang pansamantalang matutuluyan, pagkain, gamot, damit at iba pang pangangailangan habang naghihintay na maging normal ang sitwasyon sa kanilang lugar,” he added.

 The law gives priority to children during and after every disaster, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and man-made disasters such as war and armed conflict.

 It will also establish child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development.

 It mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children and local government units to integrate the said program in their development and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) plans and budget.

According to Sen. Bam, existing policies will also be reviewed to give better support to Filipino children, especially during disasters, calamities or in armed conflict to help lessen trauma, restore normalcy quickly and build their resilience better.

 “We will continue to work in protecting our Filipino children during disasters, calamities, or armed conflict, but also to reduce trauma and build their resistance to these threats,” he added.

Scroll to top