1st Quarter 2022

Compiled by:

Research Unit, Policy Research Division

 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TRENDS: JANUARY TO MARCH 2022

EDUCATION

ACADEMIC BREAKS THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: The COVID-19 crisis has severely impacted the
AMIDST SURGE IN education sector leading to the latter’s transition to alternative modes of learning. In this
COVID-19 CASES light, several issues and concerns of learners, teachers, and school personnel remain
evident as the country continues the battle against the pandemic.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
reported that “A total of 126 universities across the country have already declared
academic breaks amid the surge of coronavirus infections while 123 more are expected to
do the same1.” Chairman Prospero de Vera III said that a number of universities located in
Metro Manila and Calabarzon have declared academic breaks. Following suit is the
Department of Education’s (DepEd) decision to give schools division offices (SDOs) and
regional offices (ROs) “the authority to suspend classes in public schools for up to two
weeks in line with the alarming surge in Covid-19 cases2.” To foster academic ease, the
department reminded schools to ensure flexible learning delivery.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: With the identified
issues and gaps, policymakers and partner agencies and organizations are encouraged to
prioritize the following:

● Public safety and well-being of teachers, learners, and support staff amidst
COVID-19 surge;
● Improved support and guidance to students during this crisis;
● Regular conduct of surveys to assess students' health status; and
● Conduct research on the effectiveness of distance learning in the
Philippines.

1
Galvez, D. (2022, January 13). CHED: 126 universities in PH declare academic breaks; 123 more to follow.
Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1540020/ched-126-universities-in-ph-declare-academic-breaks-123-more-to-follow
2
Cruz, K. (2022, January 14). Class suspension for up to 2 weeks allowed. Retrieved from
https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/01/13/news/deped-allows-class-suspension-for-up-to-2-weeks/1829200
RESUMPTION TO THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: With the shift to Alert level 1, Malacañang reported
FACE-TO-FACE that authorities are currently finalizing the guidelines for the limited face-to-face classes in
CLASSES Metro Manila and 38 other areas.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: The Department of Education cited that
around “6,000 schools in basic education across the country are eligible to hold limited in-
person classes3.” However, Director Roger Masapol clarified that they are still seeking the
concurrence of respective local government units as well as the parents’ permit. He further
added that 1,876 schools, both public and private, are offering limited in-person classes.

It is crucial to implement limited in-person classes since this would mean stricter
compliance with health and safety protocols in learning institutions. For instance,
monitoring of vaccinated individuals should be taken into consideration. Authorities and
concerned agencies should likewise double their efforts in dealing with identified gaps and
challenges. It is important to note that several issues were raised, including but not limited
to alternative delivery modes of education (e.g., availability of modules, internet
connection, etc.).

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Center of
Participation on Education envisions the participation of youth “in accessible,
developmental, quality, and relevant formal, non-formal and informal lifelong learning and
training that prepare graduates to be globally competitive but responsive to national
needs; and to prepare them for the workplace and the emergence of new media and other
technologies” (p. 29). Meanwhile, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the health and safety of
students, teachers, and school personnel should equally be prioritized while aiming for
quality and inclusive education.

In terms of addressing the issue of a safe and smooth transition to face-to-face

learning, coordination and harmonization of policies should be enhanced among the
Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). It is recommended
to conduct a series of consultations with partner institutions and youth-led and youth-
serving organizations to ensure an exchange of views and effective strategic measures.
With the long-term vision and strengthened partnerships for the welfare of stakeholders,
the attainment of quality and inclusive education may soon be realized.

3
Gov’t finalizing rules for face-to-face classes in Alert 1 areas. (2022, February 28). Retrieved from https://news.abs-
cbn.com/news/02/28/22/rules-for-in-person-classes-in-alert-1-areas-being-finalized
 HEALTH

THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: Activities pursuant to the passage of legislative

measures regarding the regulation on the manufacture, sale, and use of vaporized nicotine
(VPN) product including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: The Senate and the House of Representatives
have already approved their versions of the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act. In
the coming weeks, President Duterte shall decide on the fate of the Vape Bill once the
bicameral conference committee came up with a harmonized version of the said Bill.

Anti-tobacco groups and several medical groups including the Department of

Health (DOH) have called on the President to veto the bill. These groups have been
opposing the passage of what to them is a “pro-vaping” bill. They believe that allowing
non-tobacco vape flavors will encourage more young people amidst questions on safety of
its use. Several studies have likewise shown that aside fro its possible long-term side
effects, using e-cigarette is not a proven nicotine-replacement therapy and is not effective
to keep smokers from relapsing to cigarettes.4

LEGISLATIVE On the other hand, once signed into law, supporters of the bill believe that it
MEASURES ON would help 17 million Filipino smokers kick the habit, make less harmful alternatives to
REGULATING cigarettes more available, ensure the quality of VNP products in the country through
VAPORIZED proper regulation, raise additional revenues for the government, and prevent minors'
NICOTINE access to vape products.5
PRODUCTS (VAPE
OR E-CIGARETTES) Executive Order 106 issued by the President in 2020 prohibited the use and sale of
e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or their components by persons below 21 years old.
In contrast to the earlier EO 106 issued by the President, the proposed Vaporized Nicotine
Products Regulation Act sets to 18 instead of 21 the minimum age to use, sell, or
purchase of e-cigarettes or HTPs or their components. The bill if signed by the President
to law shall mandate printed health warnings on vaping product packaging, similar to
those used for cigarettes. E-selling and distribution shall be allowed provided that
measures are adopted to ensure persons below 18 years old are restricted from access
according to the Bill. However, by regulating e-cigarettes and vape-related products, the
Bill deviates from the earlier verbal order by Duterte in 2019 to ban the use and
importation of vapes because of it being toxic and contrary to public safety. The President
even ordered the arrest of people using vape. 6

Despite of EO 106, there has been a rising prevalence of the use of e-cigarettes
among adolescents. There is also the proliferation of online sellers and online stores of
vape products. Amidst the current restriction on the mobility of young people brought by
the COVID-19 pandemic, vape shops and kiosks keep on being the new “tambayan” for
young Pinoys including minors.

4
DOH. https://doh.gov.ph/node/64
5
CNN Philippines. (2022, January 19). Expert tells how vape bill can help save lives of Filipino smokers.Retrieved from
https://cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2022/1/19/Expert-tells-how-vape-bill-can-help-save-lives-of-Filipino-smokers.html

6
Grogorio, X. 2019. Duterte bans use, importation of vapes. CNN Philippines. Published on 19 November 2019. Retrieved on May 19, 2021
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/11/19/Rodrigo-Duterte-vape-ban.html
 E-cigarettes or vapes are most popular among younger adults, including those
aged 15 to 24 years (36.3%), according to the 2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. In
2019, a DOH survey indicated that one in every five Filipinos who use e-cigarette is an
adolescent 10 to 19 years old. This proportion of e-cigarette youth smokers is three times
higher than the proportion of tobacco-cigarette youth smokers. E-cigarettes are being
marketed the way conventional cigarettes were marketed decades ago – associating them
with attractiveness, success, fun, or sex appeal. E-cigarette companies make their vaping
devices and related products ultra-trendy and uber-sleek that are popular among young
people. These companies are blamed to be creating a "teen vaping epidemic." They are
accused of engaging "devious ways" to legitimize their smoking cessation "advocacy" and
getting young people who would not have started smoking to get hooked on e-cigarettes.
It is said that the vaping communities are riding on youth culture. 7

Young people are being fed with information that e-cigarettes are not bad at all.
Marketing strategies to young people pose e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes.8
However, e-cigarettes are not necessarily safer than normal cigarettes. Several studies
showed that using nicotine in adolescence may harm parts of the brain that control
attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. 9 As early as 2019, DOH had confirmed the
first case of e-cigarette or vape-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the Philippines. The
victim was a 16-year-old girl from the Visayas.10 Although vape is advertised as an
alternative product to help adult smokers quit smoking tobacco cigarettes, studies revealed
no difference between e-cigarette users and non-users in rates of successfully quitting. In
fact, young people who vape are much more likely to move on to cigarettes, which cause a
broad range of diseases later in life. 11

In the context of COVID-19, the current pandemic is a window of opportunity to

help their teens quit vaping and avoid using tobacco in any form. Vaping results in
“diminished defenses of the respiratory system, and this virus enters through the airways.”
Given that COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, there is really a high risk that smokers
and vapers will develop severe COVID-19 disease when infected by the virus. Moreover,
both vices could help spread the virus by transmitting the virus through the secondhand
smoke or aerosol. Lastly, borrowing behaviors are prevalent among adolescents who
borrow vaping devices from friends and family members making vaping devices a possible
spreader of the virus.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Philippine
Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 stipulates that the youth should participate in
multi-sectoral and inclusive activities, programs, projects, and services that promote
youth’s health and well- being, including making informed and responsible decisions
against engaging in non-sexual risk-taking behaviour such as smoking. It is therefore
recommended that strengthening of youth participation in decreasing smoking among
young people.

7
The Manila Times. 2019. Vaping fad boosts dangerous nicotine addiction. Published on 13 September 2019. Retrieved on 14 May 2021
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/13/opinion/analysis/vaping-fad-boosts-dangerous-nicotine-addiction/615510/
8
Angbayani, S.C. 2019. Raising the alarm: the dangers of e-cigarettes. BusinessWorld. Published on 5 December 2019. Retrieved on 14 May
2021. https://www.bworldonline.com/raising-the-alarm-the-dangers-of-e-cigarettes/
9
Consuelo, M. 2019. Regulate use of vape to protecy youth – PLCPD. Inquirer.Net. Published on 17 November 2019. Retrieved on 14 May 2021
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1195340/regulate-use-of-vape-to-protect-youth-plcpd
10
Paris, J. 2019. DOH confirms 1st cse of vaping-related illness in PH. Rappler online. Published on 15 November 2019. Retrieved on 18 May
2020 https://www.rappler.com/nation/doh-confirms-first-case-vaping-related-illness-philippines
11
The Manila Times. 2019. Vaping fad boosts dangerous nicotine addiction. Published on 13 September 2019. Retrieved on 14 May 2021
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/13/opinion/analysis/vaping-fad-boosts-dangerous-nicotine-addiction/615510/
 In consideration with the issuance of the EO 106 and the forthcoming passage of
the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the NYC is to sound the alarm as a
number of adolescents are kicking the habit and being initiated into vaping or e-cigarettes.
Raising the discussion is likewise hoped to be able to reinforce mechanisms and create or
strengthen policies that make e-cigarettes and vape-related products inaccessible to
adolescents particularly those who are minors.

NYC as the voice and advocate of the youth shall give the impression of being
proactive in advocating health-related policies for and with the Filipino youth. Through its
policy advocacies, the Commission shall actively seek to promote healthy lifestyle
particularly among young people. It shall endeavor to find measures to protect young
people’s health and forward their best interest.

LGUs ACTIVE ROLE THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: Activities pursuant to the undertakings of LGUs to
IN PREVENTING engage communities about programs to increase awareness regarding the risks of teenage
TEEN PREGNANCY pregnancy12. Establishment of adolescent-friendly teen centers by LGUs was reported to
help promote health-seeking behavior and improve access to family planning counseling
and services among young people.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: Teenage pregnancy is one of the most
pressing youth issues in the country that requires attention from both the government and
the society. This issue encompasses all youth development dimensions, from the wellbeing
of the youth, their families and communities, and the interventions of the government.

The RH Law better-known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health

(RPRH) Act of 2012, or the Reproductive Health (RH) Law ensures youth’s access to an
array of RH services ranging from RH facilities, know-hows and counseling. It aimed to
curb the increasing rate 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 implementation of the
RH law last March 19, 2013. Its constitutionality was declared by the SC on April 8, 2014,
except for 8 provisions. 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 facilities. By mandating adolescents to obtain written parental consent
prior to access, this requirement may affect the success of the RPRH Law.

Almost a decade after the enactment of the RPRH law, increasing cases of teenage
pregnancy and HIV/AIDS infection are still among the most pressing concerns that young
Filipinos face today. Many studies show that barriers to the utilization of available SRH
services by adolescents generally include lack of SRH knowledge, accessibility of health
institutions, behavior of health service providers, lack of privacy and confidentiality, lack of
parent-child communication, and stigma related to SRH among others.

The creation of Teen Centers is a strategy to address teen pregnancy by providing

a youth-friendly platform and safe space for youth engagement and delivery of information
and services where young people can interact with their peers, seek assistance and
counseling, including referral to professional service providers for specific SRH issues and
concerns. An important stakeholder in achieving empowered, responsible and healthy
youth are the LGUs that are capable of providing RH information, products and services
and reaching out to the marginalized and vulnerable youth sector in the communities.

12
Cudis March 9, C. (2022, March 9). POPCOM lauds LGUs' initiatives to mitigate teen pregnancies. Retrieved From
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169422
 The establishment of adolescent-friendly health services through The Challenge
Initiative (TCI) Program that promote positive health-seeking behavior and improve access
to family planning programs helps intensify community-based approach as compliment to
school-based Comprehensive Sexuality Education to address teenage pregnancies. Being
co-managed and co-founded by Zuelig Family Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates
Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, and co-implemented with Commission on
Population (POPCOM) and Department of Health (DOH), the program is an example of
effective collaboration between governments and private sectors in improving policies and
Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health (AYSRH) intervention programs in LGUs
specifically to the program’s first city beneficiaries namely Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, and
Puerto Princesa. Using their own design and implementation of interventions based on the
best practices of TCI Hubs, other cities including Baguio, Santiago, San Jose, Binan, Naga,
Tacloban, Iloilo, Tagum Tacurong, and General Santos, followed suit. These cities were
lauded by POPCOM for recognizing the urgency to reduce teen pregnancy.

As part of efforts to address teenage pregnancies and other ASRH concerns, and
in relation to the establishment of youth-friendly facilities, NYC in its 2012 Policy Resolution
supported the establishment of adolescent- and youth-friendly health services in all health
centers in the Philippines. The Commission advocated for the implementation of youth-
friendly services by frontline service providers. In a later resolution in 2017, in an effort to
synchronize and harmonize initiatives, NYC enjoined LGUs particularly Iloilo Province to
adopt its teen centers as NYC Youth Hubs. Moreover, in 2018, the Commission pushed for
the development of an operations manual for LGUs on establishing youth hubs. Among the
services identified in the guidelines on the establishment of a youth hub is the provision of
counselling on adolescent development and sexual and reproductive health concerns.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Philippine
Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 stipulates that the youth should participate in
multi-sectoral and inclusive activities, programs, projects, and services that promote
youth’s health and well- being, as well as address their sexual and non-sexual taking
behaviors. It is therefore recommended that strengthening of youth participation in
responsible sexual and reproductive health by lowering the incidence of teenage
pregnancies, among others.

In 2021, President Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 141 “Adopting as a
National Priority the Implementation of Measures to Address the Root Causes of the Rising
Number of Teenage Pregnancies, and Mobilizing Government Agencies for the Purpose”.
Section 4 of EO 141 tasked NYC to establish a forum for continuing dialogue between the
government and youth sector on the proper planning and evaluation of policies, program
and activities affecting the youth, convening for the purpose representatives of all youth
organizations and institutions, including SKs from barangay, municipal, city, provincial and
national levels. While Section 3 pertains to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to (1) to
develop interventions to arrest and prevent all known causes of adolescent pregnancies,
and support adolescent mothers, which shall be reflected in the LYDP and AIP, and (2)
identify and implement viable programs, activities and projects and allocate a portion of
their budget towards the identified objectives. While the Philippine Commission on Women
(PCW), DOH and POPCOM are also “ordered to educate leaders, parents, and other
community members about evidence-based strategies to reduce, if not eliminate
adolescent pregnancy, and improve adolescent reproductive health and to come up with a
National Action Plan to address the ballooning teenage pregnancies in the country.
 In consideration with the issuance of the EO, establishment of teen centers can be
collaborative efforts of concerned government agencies including NYC together with the
LGUs and private organizations. It is one measure to promote and protect young people’s
health and well-being as specified in the PYDP.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: Employment and unemployment trends in the

country amidst the COVID 19 pandemic based from the PSA data and the decreasing
unemployment rate in the country since the start of the pandemic in 2020 as presented in
an article from inquirer.net in Friday, 7 January 2022.13 And another note is the youth
were among the hardest hit of COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on labor markets.

The prolonged pandemic had a negative impact in the country’s economy due to
community lockdowns that cause a domino effect to the employment sector. Closure of
establishments specially the small and medium business entities due to losses resulting to
the increase of the Filipinos who lost their jobs.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA), showed an improving employment rate in the country since 2020.The country’s
unemployment rate of 6.5 percent in November was so far the lowest in 2021 compared
with 7.4 percent in October 2021. This means that the number of unemployed Filipinos has
UNEMPLOYMENT decreased from 3.50 million in October to 3.16 million in November 2021.
RATE DURING THE
COVID-19 On the other hand, this trend showed that the country’s employment rate has
PANDEMIC correspondingly increased from 92.6 percent in October to 93.5 percent in November, also
the highest reported since the start of 2021. This also means an equivalent to 45.48
million employed individuals in November as compared to 43.83 million in October, and
43.59 million in September of the same year.

Subsequently, youth Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in November was

posted at 37.5 percent, higher than the rate in October at 35.7 percent. While youth
employment rate in November was estimated at 86.6 percent, also the highest so far in
2021.

With the data presented from the country’s statistics authority the increasing
employment rate is a good sign towards improving the labor market and raising
employment opportunities among the Filipino particularly the youth. As we look forward for
a continuing upward scale of this major factor towards economic recovery.

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released a study underscoring

how across the ASEAN including the Philippines the youth were among the hardest hit as a

13
Gonzales, C (2022, January 7) PSA: Fewer Filipinos unemployed in November 2021
Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1537400/psa-fewer-filipinos-unemployed-in-november-2021
 result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on labor markets. Citing Q2 2020 data of the
study, it showed that young workers accounted for nearly a fourth (23%) of all job losses
in the Philippines, despite representing only 15 percent of total employment on the
average. In other words, as the study stated, workers 15 to 24 years old were
disproportionately affected in terms of job cuts, often as a consequence of having less
experience and being less likely to have permanent contract arrangement. However,
according to the latest Labor Force Survey data (Nov. 2021), the youth unemployment rate
in the country was 13.4 percent. While the rate is the lowest recorded for 2021 so far, this
still means that at least one million of our young workers were jobless at the time.14

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The National
Youth Commission (NYC) as a policy making and coordinating body for issues and
concerns of and for the youth, and as stipulated under the Philippine Youth Development
Plan youth should participate in multi sectoral and inclusive programs, projects that
optimizes youth participation in the labor force, entrepreneurial activities and engagement
in decent and gainful work or business that could help increase employment rate in the
country and to continue to regain the lost jobs and employment opportunities over the
past two years, so as not to constraint business and employment opportunities especially
of the Filipino youth and to contribute as well towards the economic recovery.

The NYC, should support the economic recovery initiatives of the government like
National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) through DOLE; and promote/ implement
government's programs benefiting the youth such as but not limited to Government
Internship Program (GIP), Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), and
Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) among others.

TECHNICAL- THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: The new partnership deal of the United States
VOCATIONAL SKILLS Agency for International Development (USAID) and Philippine Business for Education
AND (PBEd) and private sector that will provide free technical-vocational skills and employability
EMPLOYABILITY training for nearly 4,000 unemployed, and out-of-school youth that will contribute more
TRAINING TO OUT- than Php42M worth of support that will support to co-sponsor the training needs of youth
OF-SCHOOL YOUTH 18-30 years old under the YouthWorks PH project.15 PBEd Board of Trustees chairperson
Del Rosario Jr. said that through the partnership youth are linked to training institutions to
learn the skills they need so they land meaningful jobs in the future. 16

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: This new partnership deal project is a great
opportunity to address the long-standing problem of job-skill mismatch that continues to
impair efforts towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the country aside from
the increasing number of the youth under NEET and the effect of COVID 19 pandemic in
the employment sector, especially among the youth. The project is aimed to fill gaps in
growing sectors, such as the automotive sector and ICT especially in this time of
pandemic.

YouthWorks PH project is a five-year workforce development project of the USAID

and PBed launched in 2018 that aims to make education and training more responsive to

14
Angara, S. (2022, January 28) Tackling youth unemployment amid the pandemic
Retrieved from February 1, 2022 from https://www.panaynews.net/tackling-youth-unemployment-amid-the-pandemic/
15
USAID, PBED OPEN 4,000 TRAINING SLOTS FOR UNEMPLOYED, OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH retrieved from
https://www.usaid.gov/philippines/press-releases/2-17-2022-usaid-pbed-open-4000-training-slots-for-unemployed-out-of-school-youth
16
Romero, J. (2022 February 17) retrieved https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/02/17/22/over-3000-free-skill-training-slots-available-for-
unemployed-out-of-school-youth
 the needs of the economy by working with the government, industry, and academy to
provide opportunities to youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) 17 This
includes the provision of free skills training, allowances, and mentoring in sectors such as
construction, services and hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and logistics. The youth
participants are placed in on-the-job training slots, with the promise of employment with
the partner companies once they complete the program and qualify. “The out-of-school
youth learn will develop them into productive employees or entrepreneurs, community
change makers, and leaders who will contribute to helping steer the country’s economic
recovery from the impacts of the pandemic,” according to USAID Mission Director
Washburn.

Among the companies that joined the list of YouthWorks PH are Asiapro, a
recognized provider of customized managed services solutions for different industries,
Universidad de Manila also signed on to provide skills training and certification programs to
the youth. Blogapalooza, Inc., the Philippines’ premier influencer marketing company,
which will give 25 youth training slots in marketing and graphic design; Greencars
Mindanao Corporation with Crossroads Training Institute, which will offer automotive
servicing courses to 50 youth of Cagayan de Oro City; Luljetta’s Place, which will open at
least 15 slots in kitchen and front desk services, housekeeping, and administrative
positions in the Greater Manila Area; Messy Bessy Cleaners and HOUSE (Helping Ourselves
Through Sustainable Enterprises) Foundation with 15 slots in social enterprise work; and
Alrose Group of Companies, a franchisee of at least 16 Filipino fast food chains in Cagayan
de Oro City and Iligan City which will offer at least 30 in-company training slots.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The project is a
promising partnership between the government and the United States government through
USAID that is intended for the Filipino youth 18-30 years old to provide them needed skills
trainings in response to the job mismatch especially the out-of-school youth. These also
means that our youth in Mindanao and Greater Manila Area were among those youth
given the opportunity to engage in this project to sustain and accelerate
inclusive economic growth of the Filipino youth.

This will also mean a realization of NYC’s advocacy on youth’s participation in

economic empowerment as stipulated under the Philippine Youth Development Plan, 2017-
2022 for the youth to participate in multi sectoral and inclusive programs, projects that
optimizes youth participation in the labor force, entrepreneurial activities and engagement
in decent and gainful work or business that could help increase employment rate in the
country that could contribute towards the economic recovery. It is suggested that the
National Youth Commission (NYC) as the Voice and Advocate of the Youth should support
and endorse this youth-inclusive-project to its youth beneficiaries and constituents in the
country through the Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP) and Sangguniang
Kabataan (SK) and share the link to the target participants in their respective areas for
the recruitment and application in order to avail the skills training.

INCREASED JOB THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: The easing unemployment rates, downgrade to Alert
OPPORTUNITIES level 1 in Metro Manila and other areas resulting in creation and opening of more job
DUE TO THE opportunities that help stimulate growth of the economy.
DOWNGRADING OF
NCR TO ALERT WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: The recent downgrading of the Metro Manila

17
PBed_ YouthWorks Ph. Retrieved from https://www.pbed.ph/youthworksph
LEVEL I and 38 other areas to Alert Level 1 for COVID-19 infections effective March 1 through
Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution No. 163-A18 and from April 1-15, 2022 through
IATF Resolution No. 165-E.19 has continuously created a number of jobs which is expected
to reach as high as 800,000 according to DTI Secretary Lopez in his latest briefing with
President Duterte.20 This development also means lowering the unemployment rate and
by allowing the country to fully recover from the pre-pandemic level in 2019 or even
surpass it since opening of establishments as well as the full operation of onsite jobs
were already in place as of March 1.

In a Philstar.com news report last March 18, Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor
Force Survey records found that unemployment slid down to 6.4% in January 2022 from a
rate of 6.6% in December last year.21 Accordingly, said data reflected that 45.9 million
Filipinos in January 2022 were part of the labor force or those people aged 15 years old
and up are actively looking for work compared with 45.21 million in December.

However, despite the drop in the unemployment rate, the underemployment rate has
also increased from 14.7% in December to 14.9% in January 2022. The increase was
attributed to the number of those employed or having accepted jobs even though
compensation is not enough to augment their expenses such as contractual, project based
and other available job offers where job seekers willingly accept to meet their necessities
for their living and family’s basic needs. On the other hand, Neri lead economist at Bank
of the Philippine Islands, opined that inflation rate would affect the country’s recovering
economy should there be no meaningful adjustments in the monetary policy within the
year.22

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The challenge with
the youth job seekers is still the availability of jobs they are qualified with and the long-
standing job skills mismatch even before the pandemic. As the country is aiming towards
full recovery and economic growth, it could only be sustained when health restriction is
eliminated however, with COVID 19 pandemic that continues to snail down, surely affects
the target. Restrictions according to national statistician Mapa impacts first the labor force
participation of both young and old.

The National Youth Commission (NYC) as it continues to advocate youth’s participation

in economic empowerment through multi sectoral and inclusive programs and projects that
would cater youth development through entrepreneurial activities, skills trainings and
engagement in activities to increase the youths’ employability as anchored in the strategies
under the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2017-2022) (PYDP).

It is therefore recommended that in order to strengthen youth participation in

economic empowerment and development, the Commission should continue to support
and partner with agencies and NGOs with skills development programs and promote the
National Employment Recovery Strategies (NERS) of the government through the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). NERS 2021 is the government’s masterplan

18
IATF Resolution No. 163-A Series of 2022 February 27, 2022
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/02feb/20220227-IATF-163-A-RRD.pdf
19
IATF Resolution No. 165-E Series of 2022 March 24, 2022
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/03mar/20220331-IATF-RESO-165-E-RRD.pdf 1-15
20
Sarao, Z (2022 March)
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1561379/alert-level-1-to-generate-more-jobs-stimulate-economic-growth-dti/
21
Royandoyan, R. (2022 March) Alert Level 1 will create more jobs, stimulate growth – DTI chief. .Retrieved from
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1561379/alert-level-1-to-generate-more-jobs-stimulate-economic-growth-dti/
22
Ibid
 for the recovery of the labor market adversely affected by the pandemic. Its
implementation through the NERS Task Force was first conceived on 5 February 2021, and
it was instituted by virtue of Executive Order No. 140 issued on 25 June 2021. 23

Skills development and youth entrepreneurship training in partnership with TESDA and
DTI for technical and financial support may also be conducted through the SKs in the
Barangays to capacitate the youth and alleviate them from vices that may lead them to be
responsible citizens and can support family’s basic needs.

As the NERS is until this year, NYC may suggest or contribute in the evaluation of its
implementation to validate the viability of the masterplan, how did the youth benefitted in
the plan and to possibly recommend measures and consideration if there is a need to
extend the coverage and its effectivity considering that the country has not recovered yet
from the damaging effect of the pandemic in the labor market and to the country’s
economy.

GOVERNANCE

HONORARIUM AND THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: NYC advocates for the strengthening of the SK
CIVIL SERVICE Reform Act through the provision of honorarium to the SK Secretary and SK Treasurer 24.
ELIGIBILITY TO SK
OFFICIALS WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) has
INCLUDING advocated for the provision of honorarium to SK Secretary and SK Treasurer ever since the
TREASURES AND SK Reform Act of 2015 was approved. By virtue of Republic Act No. 8044, the National
SECRETARIES Youth Commission (NYC) is mandated to “encourage wide and active participation of the
youth in all governmental and non-governmental programs, projects and activities
affecting them; and harness and develop the full potential of the youth as partners in
nation-building,” the Commission herein submits its position on the above entitled bills
amending RA 10742.

Relevant thereto, RA 10742 or the SK Reform Act of 2015 is a landmark legislation

for youth policy and affairs which underscores major reforms for the operations of the SK,
such as the financial independence of the Sangguniang Kabataan, the establishment of the
Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), as well as the abolishment of the SK National
Federation. This, among others, also included additional privileges for the SK members,
from being exempted in the National Service Training Program, being granted PhilHealth
coverage, and free tuition in public tertiary education.

However, since the implementation of the law in 2016, there has already been
considerable clamor from the SK Officials on the ground to amend certain provisions from
the law. The SKs and relevant stakeholders have raised three (3) main issues, namely: 1)
Lack of honoraria and compensation for SK Officials; 2) Lack of funds for the formulation
of Local Youth Development Plans; and 3) the Lack of LYDOs and Appointed Youth
Development Officers.

The Commission acknowledges that although the SK Reform Act of 2015 has

23
http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/index.php/national-employment-recovery-strategy-2021-2022
24
Cervantes, Filane Mikee (14 February 2022). “SK compensation bill to attract more youth into public service” from: Philippine News Agency.
 brought successes in many fronts, the aforementioned issues deem it prudent for the law
to be further amended. The lack of a coherent national policy on SKs’ functions and
appropriation leaves some of its operations ineffective and Officials inefficient.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: Hence, this
Congressional action that approved the provision of additional privileges such as
honorarium and civil service eligibility to all SK officials, including the Secretary and
Treasurer, is a great accomplishment not only because it guarantees additional benefits to
the Sangguniang Kabataan themselves, but more so on the communities they serve. The
Sangguniang Kabataan ng Pilipinas has lauded the ratification of House of Representatives
and Senate of the congressional bicameral version of House Bill 10698 and Senate Bill
2124, more commonly known as the SK Empowerment and Compensation bills.

It is noteworthy that NYC has to ensure that this measure becomes an effective
mechanism for further local youth participation. Specifically, NYC supports the passage of
such a law that will amend the SK Reform Act and will encourage participation of Filipino
youth in nation-building and local governance. Bearing in mind the objectives of the
above-discussed Bills, the Commission respectfully recommends the passage of a law that
will:
1. Promote youth participation in local governance and will endeavor for their full
development and advancement;
2. Encourage intensive and active participation of youth in all government and non-
government programs, projects and activities affecting them;
3. Harmonize all government and non-government policies relative to the
development of the youth sector and Sangguniang Kabataan;
4. Provide guidelines in utilizing and managing government appropriations for youth
promotion and development with funds from other sources; and
5. Conduct information and education campaigns on the subject matter with media,
public and private institutions, educational and training institution

As such, it is vital that a monitoring scheme for its efficiency be developed or current
systems at place (i.e. Seal of Good Local Governance) be fully utilized and properly
monitored. Once this Congressional action is approved, there has to be a timeframe of
monitoring and evaluation to determine whether or not the provision of honoraria and
other benefits were indeed effective in ensuring their outcomes at the community level.

YOUTH VOTERS’ THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: Importance of being informed and educated voters
EDUCATION for the majority of the Philippines’ voting population - the youth sector.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: Data from COMELEC shows that more than
half of the total registered Filipino voters are those aged 18 to 41 years old25. Specifically,
based on COMELEC data as of November 2021, there are 21,678,268 registered voters
from the youth age (18 - 30 years old), which is about 33% of the total of 65.7 million
registered Filipino voters.

With the given data, the youth sector indeed comprises the majority of the Filipino
youth voters. The power of the youth vote is crucial and may be considered as a winning
factor in elections. Thus, it is important to provide them with the information and
knowledge necessary to recognize the importance of voting not only as a civic duty, but as
their major contribution to ensure good governance in the country.

25
Lopez, Melissa Luz (February 8, 2022) “56% of May 2022 voters part of the youth – Comelec”. CNN Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/2/8/youth-vote-56-percent-2022.html.
 The COMELEC and the election watchdog Democracy Watch Philippines signed a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to promote voter education among the Filipino youths
and first-time voters in the May 9 polls. This agreement paves the way to the voter
education campaign called Vote Right 2022! which is a series of seminars and lectures to
be conducted in partnership with various schools, universities, and non-government
organizations using virtual platforms.

According to Director James Jimenez, COMELEC recognizes that “educating and

empowering the youth sector on the right of suffrage is a collective duty that falls upon
not just the Commission but the entire Filipino community - it really does take a village.
Thus, we fully support initiatives that focus on young and first-time voters, because the
numbers clearly show that they comprise a huge chunk of registered voters in the May 9
elections.”26

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The fifth outcome
of the updated Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 states that the
Filipino youth are actively engaged in national and local governance and in active
citizenship. Specifically, it translates to the vision that the youth “are registered as voters
and actively participate in national and local elections” 27.

Active participation connotes not merely the youth’s engagement. The PYDP 2017-
2022 highlights the youth’s meaningful participation as informed and well capacitated
citizens of the Philippines. Therefore, initiatives that guarantee their development and
promote integrity and compassion for their fellows should be promoted by the National
Youth Commission (NYC).

NYC has historically been a staunch advocate for voters’ education. Thus, efforts like
this are recommended to be supported by NYC.
● The NYC Committee on Governance must promote similar efforts through the
utilization of current or existing programs such as those under the Training Unit
and through the Youth Organization Registration Program and the Volunteers
Program.
● The Sangguniang Kabataan training arm of NYC may develop continuing training
modules specifically focused on voters’ education and information.
● The Members of the Commission may pass a resolution that would require the
development of partnerships for research, policy and training initiatives that
guarantee up to date and context-specific voters’ education that would be
sustained until the next elections.

ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: Activities pursuant to young people calling on
AGENDA OF candidates to put forward climate and environmental platforms on the election discussion.
CANDIDATES IN THE Youth appeal to incoming leaders of the country to have an environmental agenda not
COMING ELECTIONS limited only to disaster response but shall encompass pushing for climate justice,

26
Patinlo, Ferdinand (March 3, 2022) “Comelec, poll watchdog to sign pact promoting voters education”. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved
from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168981.
27
NYC (2019). Updated Philippine Youth Development Plan 2017-2022. Retrieved from
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j6XqG5b0Rs6xlGeY7emcH7tJDHNrpBNP/view?usp=sharing.
 championing green energy and providing scientific-based and systemic solutions to
address the roots of environmental problems. 28

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: The Philippines, which is situated in the
Pacific Ring of Fire, is in a vulnerable situation. Its geographical location, frequency of
natural disasters and extreme weather events, nature-based livelihoods and socio-
economic conditions define the existence of risks brought about by both natural and man-
made hazards.

Young people constitute one of the most vulnerable sectors in society at all times.
Their vulnerability is compounded in the event of disasters. Yet they are often not included
in preparation and planning out how they can too address their vulnerabilities themselves.
Changing Climate Research and Institute of Development Studies (2011) recognize that
young people provide holistic and long-term perspectives in analyzing climate change risks
and have potential as strong agents for change.

Young people can communicate their analysis to peers and parents and their
optimistic attitude translates into action and can influence adults in mobilizing resources to
address climate change. However, despite being one of the most vulnerable sectors of
society to the adverse effects of natural disasters and climate change, young people are
often denied meaningful participation in crafting and implementing policies and programs
on environmental protection and climate change risk reduction.

Recognizing the value of increasing community awareness on climate change

adaptation, the youth are calling for the integration into the curriculum in primary and
secondary levels of the Philippine educational system as a mandatory subject or course on
climate change and related-risks. Amidst the coming elections, youth are calling on the
next leaders of the country to be green champions and recognize the urgency of the
climate crisis.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Philippine
Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 stipulates that the youth should participate in
multi-sectoral and inclusive activities, programs, projects, and services that promote
youth’s health and well- being. One of the PYDP 2017-2022’s outcomes under the Center
of Participation on Environment is to have young people practice environment-friendly and
climate and disaster resilient lifestyles. Meaningful youth participation is the key concept of
the PYDP. It entails youth attendance and immersion in programs and projects
conceptualized and implemented for and with the Filipino youth. The National Youth
Assessment Study (2015) by the Commission reported that 85% of youth respondents
considered that youth involvement was crucial in disaster and emergency relief.

The Youth Commission shall support the teaching of climate change adaptation
and disaster-risks mitigation in the Philippine education system, from elementary to
tertiary level. However, out of school youth (OSY) must also be provided with climate
change and disaster awareness, preparedness, and mitigation education.

NYC as the voice and advocate of the youth shall continue to push for the passage
of a law that mandates the inclusion of young people in all climate change adaptation and
disaster risk reduction policy bodies and recognize young people’s meaningful engagement
in all environmental initiatives. Youth should be a part and parcel of the government’s

28
AS: Cabico, G. (2022, February 08). Youth orgs call on candidates to bring climate, environment to the table.
Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2022/02/08/2159228/youth-orgs-call-candidates-bring-climate-
environment-table
 climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction management strategy. This is a
prerequisite if the government aims for a more effective and participatory climate change
adaptation approach.

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND EQUITY

THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: President Rodrigo Duterte has recently signed into
law a bill that will end child marriage in the Philippines. Republic Act 11596 or An Act
Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof
was signed by Duterte on December 10, 2021.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: According to Deputy Speaker Bernadette

Herrera-Dy, “This is a major victory in our campaign to end child marriage in the
Philippines. This law will help protect children, especially young girls, and hopefully change
the trajectory of their lives 29.” She added that the time has come to end the “longstanding
disturbing practice” of child marriage in the country.
SIGNING OF Meanwhile, Gabriela party-list Representative Arlene Brosas described the enactment of
REPUBLIC ACT the law as “a historic step towards the criminalization of child marriage, which has trapped
11596 ON several Filipino girls into unwanted and early child-bearing and child-rearing responsibilities
PROHIBITING and even into cycles of abuse...” She likewise emphasized the need to strengthen
CHILD MARRIAGE protective and support services for children.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Center of
Participation on Social Inclusion and Equity aims to strengthen youth participation “in a
peaceful and just society that affords them with equal and equitable opportunity, social
security and protection in all aspects of development, regardless of their gender, disability,
specific needs, political beliefs, ethnicity, religion, and socio-cultural-economic status”
(PYDP 2017-2022, p. 43). In terms of addressing child marriages in the country,
government-led initiatives should be supported and strengthened. It is therefore
recommended to harmonize efforts of the national government and local government units
in promoting children’s rights and welfare. Advocacy campaigns and other related events
may also be considered by stakeholders.

EDUCATIONAL THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recently signed
SERVICES FOR Republic Act No. 11650, otherwise known as the Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and
LEARNERS WITH Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act, which
DISABILITIES prioritizes free and inclusive education, and related services for learners with disabilities.

29
Bajo, A. (2022, January 06). Duterte signs into law bill seeking end to child marriage. Retrieved from
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/817190/bill-seeking-end-to-child-marriage-in-philippines-lapses-into-
law/story/?fbclid=IwAR15nwftqz_h3tGSkTBmC3wFiyJ_zqHKYzSO8XoPQ6mOFvzLOKRSsOLfpvs
WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: RA No. 11650 provides learners with
disabilities “access to the general education system through formal school systems,
including the implementation of alternative delivery modes, and to ensure they develop full
potential towards self-sufficiency and become fully participative members of society.” The
law mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) to
ensure the establishment of at least one Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) for
learners with disabilities in their respective localities. Moreover, the legislative measure
aims to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Section 13 of RA No. 11650 created the Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for Learners
with Disabilities (IACC), which is made up of the following government agencies:

● Department of Education (DepEd) as Chairperson

● Department of Health (DOH) as Co-Chairperson
● Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as Co-Chairperson
● Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
● Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
● Department of Finance (DOF); and
● National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

The council is expected to perform the following functions:

● Effective implementation of the Act’s provisions;

● Formulation of a national policy;
● Preparation and regular review of a multi-year roadmap;
● Development of policy guidelines and effective mechanisms;
● Creation of appropriate and coordinated programs for learners with disabilities;
● Source of information;
● Conduct of annual audit to ensure ILRC’s compliance; and
● Establishment of ILRCs.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Philippine
Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 highlights the importance of maximizing the
participation of youth with disabilities (YWD) in society. In fact, a number of
recommendations can be found in the PYDP for YWD to realize their potential including the
following:

● Strengthen educational, employment, and health programs;

● Promote PWD-friendly LGUs;
● Ensure accessible spaces and signages for youth with disabilities;
● Capacitate stakeholders; and
● Organize events for and with YWD.

Through RA No. 11650, providing inclusive and quality education to learners with
disabilities is within reach. However, initiatives should be well-coordinated among
stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the new legislative measure.
Consultations with LGUs to identify best practices are likewise recommended since they
can be replicated in other areas across the country.
 GLOBAL MOBILITY

YOUTH THE TREND WE ARE WATCHING: The youth is a critical factor in the ASEAN’s aim to
PARTICIPATION IN “accelerate the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for
ASEAN AFFAIRS a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations” 30.

WHY WE ARE WATCHING THIS TREND: Perhaps one of the major considerations for
the creation of the ASEAN Community is the vision of realizing a people-centered and
people-oriented community. This is formally realized through the Community Pillars, and
perhaps most significantly under the Sociocultural Community aims. Under this pillar,
ASEAN Member States (AMS) agree on ensuring that ASEAN citizens are able to realize
their full potential. In fact, the ASCC Blueprint 2025 specifically stated that it will work
towards31:
● A committed, participative, and socially responsible community for the benefit of
ASEAN people;
● An inclusive community that promotes high quality of life, equitable access to
opportunities for all, and promotes and protects human rights;
● A sustainable community that promotes social development and environmental
protection;
● A resilient community with enhanced capacity and capability to adapt and respond
to social and economic vulnerabilities, disasters, climate change, and other new
challenges; and
● A dynamic and harmonious community that is aware and proud of its identity,
culture and heritage.
One of the sectoral areas monitored under the ASCC Blueprint is the youth sector. As a
sector, the youth comprise the majority of the population in ASEAN which is approximately
a third of the combined population. In fact, the youth population is expected to peak at
over 220 million by the year 2038. As ASEAN’s future leaders, change makers, innovators
and influencers32, the youth face a myriad of cross-cutting issues and challenges that need
to be addressed through opportunities that aim to develop their capacities.

Youth groups are the primary example of civil society organizations that push
advocacy initiatives, especially in upgrading the quality of life within the ASEAN. Indeed,
this capacity of being able to advocate for the quality of life through empowerment and
participation in the affairs of the State or of State actors, whether at the national or

30
ASEAN (2020) “ASEAN Aims”. What We Do Link from: https://asean.org/what-we-do#fundamental-principles/ Retrieved on: 30 November
2021.
31
ASEAN (2020) “ASCC Blueprint”. ASEAN Sociocultural Community. Link from: https://asean.org/our-communities/ Retrieved on: 30
November 2021.
32
ASEAN (2020) “ASCC Blueprint - Youth”. ASEAN Sociocultural Community. Link from: https://asean.org/our-communities/asean-socio-
cultural-community/education-youth/ Retrieved on: 30 November 2021.
international arena, is important as it enables citizens and communities to hold the States
accountable for the delivery of basic services by means of exercising direct influence in
decision making.

However, there are some challenges that should be addressed in terms of furthering
the youth’s participation in ASEAN:
● Top-Down Approach to Development. The youth’s participation in international
exchange programs is primarily facilitated by enabling plans and priorities set by
the ASEAN, with due deliberation by AMS. However, in terms of funding, not all
AMS are capable enough to cater to all youth delegates. In the Philippine case, for
instance, the budget for outbound and inbound programs have always been set to
a very low level. This is because international programs are not viewed as priority
initiatives for the youth since only a few youth beneficiaries are being catered to,
unlike national-level programs that can target several youth groups from all facets
of society. It is in this realm that we can consider the role of the civil society
organizations and institutions as vital. Their support may address the lack of
capability by the government.
● Youth as Mere Recipients of Tokens. Aside from resources, another factor for
consideration is the propensity of youth exchange programs to become tokens for
people with attachment to any official or staff from the institution that facilitates
the program. This severely flawed system automatically disregards the opportunity
for other youth beneficiaries who may be more deserving.
● No Viable Impact Evaluation for Programs and Policies. While there are
opportunities for participation, are the participation outcomes monitored and
evaluated, vis-a-vis the ASCC Blueprint? The short answer is no. As can be seen in
the data stated above, participation was only viewed as mere attendance and
participation during the discussion, but as to the sustainability of actions coming
off from the experience of becoming part of the exchange programs, there seems
to be a huge gap in analysis. Perhaps one of the things that could be done is to
capitalize on the findings of the AYDI and create a qualitative study on the
contributions made by the delegates, in this case, Filipino delegates.
● Not Enough Data to Determine Effectiveness and Appropriateness of Development
Indicators. Since the First AYDI and the Second AYDI were the first reports ever to
be formulated to discuss the development of the youth in ASEAN, it is therefore
challenged with a lot of loopholes, particularly on the availability of data. Another
important factor to consider is the limitations of the AYDI, especially in terms of
gauging the effectiveness of program initiatives in the AMS. One may also observe
that in the identification of indicators, one of the factors considered is the
possibility that the findings may reflect a negative image on the AMS (i.e., NEET
data). This poses a problem on properly identifying the real scenario about the
youth sector.
● ASEAN Awareness, Values and Identity. These concepts should still be further
revisited. The idea of making the youth aware of the ASEAN remains elitist in
terms of approaches. In terms of values, while there may be a common approach
to its interpretation, this still remains to be vague and overgeneralized. The
identity concept is another complicated concept. Indeed, the recommendation to
assess the youth’s idea of a values-oriented identity seems to be a viable option to
see how the youth understands the ASEAN values.
● Lack of Genuine People-Centric Approach to Development. If the essence of
people-centeredness is that policies and programs should be for the people, from
the people, then we could barely see that in the ASEAN approach to programming
for the youth. Furthermore, there is no visible regard to the specific youth groups
that require more attention due to their lack or limited opportunities to participate
such as those with disability/ies, persons with indigenous affiliation; youth who are
 not in education, employment or training; and those from the urban and rural poor
communities. Without a clear picture of the marginalized group, there is a huge
gap in policy formulation, mostly regarded as neoliberal in orientation.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION: The Philippine
Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 stipulates that the youth should participate in
multi-sectoral and inclusive activities, programs, projects, and services that will facilitate
their development. It also upholds the importance of the youth in participating in
meaningful initiatives that would promote good governance.

With the ongoing iteration of the ASEAN Youth Development Index, it is critical that
NYC pushes for a more inclusive and developmental approach for youth participation in
ASEAN initiatives. As the primary representative to the Senior Officials Meeting on Youth,
NYC has a critical role in forwarding the Philippines’ initiatives for youth development, not
only within the Philippines, but more so at the ASEAN level. NYC should also review and
revisit the initiatives it provides for the youth so as to guarantee these programs’ relevance
and ensure the youth’s meaningful participation.
As such, here are some recommended actions:
1. Conduct of a “Values-Oriented Identity Index” for ASEAN to get the baseline data
that can be monitored and addressed.
2. Revitalize consultation mechanisms, at least within the Philippine context, to
ensure that the marginalized sector can also participate more effectively in
consultations that are geared towards strengthening or monitoring ASEAN
initiatives. .
3. Review and assess the outputs to be provided by the Filipino delegates and
recognize exemplary program implementers that are inspired by their participation
in international exchange programs.
4. Promotion of the online platform as a more equitable platform for exchange of
views especially for people who have problems in joining face-to-face conferences
or debates.
5. Capacitate the youth in diplomatic relations, debates, parliamentary procedures,
and lobbying, as well as their ability to facilitate a meeting, conceptualize a full-
cycle program, and their skills in budget proposal making.
6. Urge SOMY and AMMY to reiterate the value of meaningful youth participation,
while also advocating for less strict modes of entertaining the civil society
organizations during meetings and conferences.
7. Draft more research initiatives that will focus on the marginalized sector, and
encourage their participation in policy and program formulation.