Youth leaders engage in local governance through LYDC
Student leaders, SK officials, and representatives from different youth organizations convened to form a consultative body in the city, the Local Youth Development Council or LYDC.
The establishment of LYDC was made possible through RA 10742 or the SK Reform Act of 2015, which ensures nationwide multi-sectoral youth participation in local governance through local youth councils at the provincial, city, and municipal levels.
Through LYDC, member organizations will form and approve programs that will encourage the youth sector to participate and be active in volunteering and address some of the pressing needs that the youth is facing today, such as access to education and online learning, mental health awareness, lack of support system, among others.
SK Federation President Hon. Clarisse Mae Sorongon sees this council as a means of building connections among a wide network of youth organizations to achieve representation in youth activities for every sector and to support the activities of government for the youth.
“Amo na ang purpose ngaa may council si LYDC, para maging kaupod sang SK nga mag implement sang mga programs nga ginpatpat naton.”
City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena challenges the youth council to dream high and help the local government to empower the youth and open up opportunities so they can find success in their own soil.
“This is a challenge to all of you… You are the cream of the youth of the city. You’re the best that we can offer in the city. You are the future leaders of this city… Dahil nacreate na kayo bilang council, ito ang hamon ko sa inyo: Come up with a relevant concrete [solution] that will benefit your sector… pag-usapan niyo ng malalim ‘yan. At ako indi magduha-duha, mapondohan ko ina.”
The LYDC is facilitated by Koj Dominic Angelo L. Barrios, LYD Officer. It is the youth arm of CDILG under CLGOO Jennifer L. Fernandez.