BAGUIO CITY – Aimed at involving the youth in the government’s push towards full devolution, various youth-serving organizations and students from higher education institution in Baguio City and Benguet province participated in the first installment of “Devolution Discourses,” a series of activities organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera geared towards engaging various stakeholders in disseminating information regarding Executive Order No. 138 or the Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Governments.
DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose, in a message delivered by Local Government Capacity Development Division Chief Kristoffer Dave R. Alvarez, underscored the youth’s contribution in participative good governance especially in sharing their insights on the implementation of devolution.
“Ito ay pagkakataon upang makibahagi ang kabataan upang matulungan ang mga lokal na pamahalaang makatawid tungo sa ganap na desentralisasyon. Participative good governance fosters an inclusive atmosphere where stakeholders can take part in the shaping and reshaping of their communities,” she said.
“Devolution Discourses,” with the theme “Crossroads and Collaborations for Youth Participation towards Full Devolution,” featured speakers from the DILG-CAR, the National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Cordillera office of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-CAR) who talked on topics centered on the youth’s role in the devolution process.
Gerald B. Duagan, Development Management Officer of DILG-CAR, presented the history and salient provisions of EO No. 138 which provided the necessary backgrounder on devolution for the youth participants. He also discussed the landmark Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia petitions to further contextualize the implementation of full devolution.
To better understand the steps being undertaken by the local government units (LGUs), he provided an overview on the Devolution Transition Plans and consequently emphasized the LGUs’ assumption of a “stronger implementing role” and their responsibility of providing all basic services and facilities fully devolved to them.
Duagan added that the youth can work on prospects towards local autonomy specifically on broader citizen participation, developments based on local contexts and conditions, and expanded service delivery capacity.
Sheridan Athena Y. Gajete, Regional Cluster Head for Region 1 and CAR of the NYC, talked on the “Role of the Youth in the Local Development Process.” She introduced the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) for 2017-2022 which is geared towards enabling and empowering youth participation in key areas such as governance, active citizenship, and economic empowerment, among others.
In her talk, she encouraged the youth to participate in youth development processes and undertakings, giving special importance on the impact of the youth vote.
Citing the PYDP, Gajete said, “Participation entails youth attendance and immersion in programs and projects conceptualized for, by, and with them. Thus, in the long term, participation translates to the youth’s proactive and constant engagement in the development of Philippine Society.”
Aries Dos M. Campos, Senior Economic Development Specialist of NEDA-CAR, spoke on “Devolution and Autonomy: Salient Features and Opportunities for Youth Participation.”
He said that the successful implementation of EO No. 138 will better prepare the Cordillera Region for autonomy. This comes after improving the efficiency and competitiveness of LGUs and strengthening their development planning, investment programming, and budgeting upon assuming their devolved functions.
Campos added that autonomy will provide Cordilleran youth better protection and empowerment and better educational opportunities and facilities; and it will aid in the development of culturally-sensitive education through the development of a curricula responsive to safeguarding cultural heritage and the appreciation of ethnic identities.
In closing, DILG-CAR LGOO Alfrainer F. Partido reinforced the goals of this activity which is to inform, empower, and equip the youth with the knowledge they need to become effective leaders in their communities. He enjoined the youth to become initiators of change and to take every opportunity to capacitate themselves to better serve their community and the country. By RJMV