Harnessing youth power for sustainability

August 11 marked the observation of the International Youth Day with the 2017 theme, “Youth Building Peace.”

This highlights the significant role of our youth in nation and peace-building, especially for the group with ages ranging from 18-29, and considered as “the largest the world has ever known,” and that “often form the majority of the population of countries affected by armed conflict” (Security Council Resolution No. 2250, 2015).

What comes immediately to our mind is the current plight of our people including the displaced youth in the conflict-torn Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. Department of Education statistics point to 22,000 students displaced by the fighting.
(https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/903903/marawi-fighting-could-turn-orphans-into-terrorists)

Aside from the necessary adjustments that accompany refugees when living in evacuation camps, and with many schools destroyed, there are valid concerns of orphan children being lured into terrorism.

Likewise, extreme poverty has prevented our children and youth from going to school. There are reports that of the estimated 3.8 million out-of-school children and youth (OSCY), 87.3 percent were 16 to 24 years old, 7.7 percent were 12 to 15 years old and 5.0 percent were six to 11 years old.

The Philippine Statistics Authority released its data in June 30 this year that showed that while there had been significant decline in poverty incidence, the farmers and fishermen remained the poorest of the poor as they consistently had been since 2006.

They have the highest poverty incidences in 2015 at 34.3 percent and 34 percent, respectively and the children in these sectors at 31.4%, and the youth at 19.4%.
(https://www.psa.gov.ph/poverty-press-release)

Uplifting them from the poverty cycle means ensuring that the sources of their livelihood are in a healthy condition and spared from practices and development projects that displace them such as mining and reclamation.

Several non-government organizations and institutions commended Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for stopping the planned reclamation of 200 hectares of coastline and sensitive marine ecosystems which potentially displaces and creates hardship to some 3,500 families, including our subsistence fisherfolk.

She exhibits that sensitivity to the highest needs of the present, amid the climate crisis, and that is, ensuring the resiliency of our life support systems and the people dependent on them for survival. Indeed, she “walks the talk when it comes to prioritizing the people’s right to a balanced and healthful environment by carving a sustainable path to development.
Indeed, progress can be achieved through environmentally-sustainable means, and development should not entail irreversible damage towards our natural resources and the livelihood of our people.” (Manifesto of NGOs against Reclamation)

The present administration has likewise drawn up an ambitious vision, the AmBisyon Natin 2040, which has precisely set the goal of the country becoming, by 2040, “a prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor.”

This AmBisyon Natin 2040 is a 25-year long-term vision and guide for development planning which President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed through Executive Order No. 5, s. 2016. “According to EO 5, the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 (PDP 2017-2022) and the succeeding PDPs until 2040 shall be anchored on AmBisyon Natin 2040.

In its preamble, EO 5 recognizes the need for a “bold vision and effective development planning” based on a “forward-looking approach that goes beyond a single administration.” It also emphasized the centrality of people in development planning and their aspirations as requisite for the design of government interventions to achieve development outcomes.”

The PDP goals, anchored on sustainable development principles, are achievable, with the collaboration of all sectors of society.

As they stand to benefit or suffer from our action or omission, our youth should be encouraged and tapped to be active partners in the entire phase of the decision-making process in the political, social and economic levels.

This columnist had first witnessed the tremendous force that came with the unleashing of the youth’s incomparable talent and skills when we were faced with challenges in the past such as the offshore drilling in Tañon Strait.

The citizens movement that resulted was largely youth and academe based where everyone pitched in and contributed to protect the small fisherfolk and their families, the migratory and resident marine mammals in the area and of course, the ecological integrity of the area. Their creativity and dedication are reflected in the poems, songs and other undertakings that made them feel that they too can make a difference. And — they did, big time.

The project was disbanded even before it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The victory they can rightfully claim as their own, in partnership with the affected sectors and other stakeholders.

They are and remain our leaders who continue to protect our home planet.

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