Cebuano Youth Leaders Urge Local Candidates for Youth Agenda

More than 200 student leaders participated the “NOW TRENDING: #YOUTHVOTE2013”. The #YOUTHVOTE2013 was spearheaded by the Cebuano Youth Ambassadors (CYA) and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) and held at Capitol Social Hall last April 6, 2013.

The “NOW TRENDING: #YOUTHVOTE2013” started with a two-hour registration of participants. The program officially opened on-time under ceremonial master Marmie Dyan Deniega, CYA leader. The registration was  followed by the Philippine National Anthem.

Gea Ecoy, SCAP Sugbo Spokesperson, made the opening remarks.

#YOUTHVOTE2013, an electoral forum, was created for the Cebuano youth to share with local candidates about youth agenda. The running candidates have been given  opportunities to share their platforms and visions for the youth and Cebu as well. Subsequently, the student leaders have given their time to listen and put the electionists on the hot seat.

Student leaders raised their concern about education as today’s dilemma. After the UP student who committed suicide because of unable to pay tuition fee, the students speak out of it, that, they believed that education is a right not a privilege.

Gibby Gorres, SCAP National Secretary, has pointed out Tuition Fee Increased, Problem about Health, Education and Employment of the college graduates, No Permit, No Exam Policy and the rising of HIV Cebuano victims as youth agenda for  the  #YOUTHVOTE2013.

The electionists and partylists who attended the #YOUTHVOTE2013 are the following: Hon. Alvin Dizon, re-electionist Cebu City Councilor, Danton Remoto, second nominee of LADLAD Partylist, Dong Navarro, North District Congressional Candidate, Marlo Maamo, independent Congressional Candidate, Concordo Quizon, 1-Care Partylist Representative, Sanlakas Partylist, Partido ng Manggagawa Partylist, Akbayan Partylist, Aristotle ‘Totol’ Batuhan, Cebu City South Congressional candidate and the re-electionist Cebu City Mayor, Michael Rama.

The organizers of #YOUTHVOTE2013 have invited the Bando Osmeña- Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) candidates but unfortunately, only Councilor Alvin Dizon recognizes the invitation while the rest refused to attend the event. They have no statement as to why they ignored the invitation.

While waiting for the mayor to come, the students were asked to make a “love letter” to the candidates. These “love letter” are requests and visions of the student leaders for Cebu City. The significance of “love letter” is that it is the best way to make them feel how important you are for him/her.

The students were all overwhelmed as Michael Rama was on staged. Rama has shared stories of success and highlighted his accomplishments in Cebu City as the city mayor.

“Keeping together is a progress, Working together is a success and together, we can make things happen…” said Mayor Rama as he ended his speech.

One of the student leaders testifies his grateful experience from Rama. The student said that, he was one of the victims of the sudden closed of Direct Access, a call center company in I.T. Park, he has not received any compensation and benefits from the company. He has no choice but to ask help from Rama together with his fellow agents. Rama did not hesitate to help them until they surpass their problem. He has greatly expressed his gratitude to Rama for helping him to stand up during his downfall.

Rama has astounded the student leaders and believes that the youth has a great role in the society.

Rama has shared his songs to the student leaders. Rama and the student leaders enthusiastically danced with the Team Rama’s campaign jingle before he left the event.

“NOW TRENDING: #YOUTHVOTE2013” has ended successfully and historically. It was made possible through the partnership and sponsorship with InterAksyon.com, News 5, Smart Communications, Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc., AlternatiV , and Marc and Matthews.