The National Youth Commission (NYC) is ensuring that the voices of Filipino youth are being heard and recognized in society.
In an interview during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime, NYC Chairperson Joseph Francisco "Jeff" Ortega emphasized the agency's efforts to connect with youth leaders, starting with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation Presidents, to identify and address existing gaps.
"Ang bagong pamunuan ng NYC ay napaka-inclusive. Gusto nating marinig ang bawat puso ng kabataan," said Ortega.
Ortega highlighted that one of the issues faced by the youth sector is the tendency for only the strongest voices to dominate the conversation. He noted that some youth leaders have resigned due to being overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
"Inatasan tayo ng Pangulo na siguraduhing marinig ang mga boses ng kabataan at maiparating ito sa ating mga [government] agencies. Marami sa ating mga SK officials ang nagbibitiw dahil sa bigat ng trabaho. Ang ginagawa ng NYC ay i-upscale ang kanilang kakayahan sa unang taon pa lamang nila," Ortega explained.
He also disclosed that the Philippines will host the ASEAN Youth Ministry in 2026, with preparations already underway. Ortega shared plans to showcase the country's beauty, including tours of Tanawan.
"Ang realistic po na pwedeng gawin sa agency ay ayusin muna ang mga operations—procurement system, funds management, at tulong sa iba't ibang ahensya. Siguraduhin natin na maganda ang execution kapag dumating ang pondo," Ortega stressed.
In the same segment, Jhunlie Escala, the Provincial Youth Development Officer (PYDO) of Samar and National Secretary of the League of Youth Development Officers of the Philippines, shared their achievements.
Samar’s Provincial Youth Development Office was recently recognized as the Most Outstanding Local Youth Development Office at the Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards.
"Naniniwala ako na ang pinaka-nakita ng ating PYDO ay ang pagkumpleto ng aming flagship programs sa 10 Centers of Youth Participation, na ibinibigay ng National Youth Commission sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Youth Development Plan," said Escala.
"Ito ang Samar School for Good Youth Governance, na itinatag namin sa pakikipagtulungan sa Samar State University. Lahat ng aming programa ay mayroong 'bridging leadership' concept," Escala added.
From a youth development perspective, Escala noted that the NYC is committed to cascading programs to the local level through the Philippine Youth Development Plan.
The National Youth Commission continues to serve as the government’s primary agency for promoting the welfare, development, and empowerment of Filipino youth, as mandated by Republic Act No. 8044 (Youth in Nation-Building Act).
