PARTICIPATION OF THE YOUTH IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED THRU THE LAUNCHING OF BULACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEERS NETWORK, INC.
In view of the indispensable participation of the youth in nation-building and in order to relive the spirit of volunteerism among the youth particularly in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) thru the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment and Development Office (PYSEDO) launched the Bulacan Youth Volunteers Network, Inc. (BVYN), an official organization of the youth volunteers in Bulacan. This is in line with the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2015-01 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Youth Commission (NYC) re: “Institutionalizing Participation of Youth in Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Related Activities” wherein the engagement of the youth sector as member of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as one group representing the civil society organizations was specified.
The DILG thru OIC Provincial Director Darwin D. David joined the launching together with the NYC represented by Asec. Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III on October 14, 2015 at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos, Bulacan. The youth volunteers who participated in the 3-day first- aid training facilitated by the PDRRMO held on October 7-9, 2015 were also present in the said event along with the PDRRMC, PSWDO, DepEd, PNP, and Sagip Kalikasan Dulot ay Pangkabuhayan, and members of the media.
During the event, the PGB thru Provincial Administrator Eugenio Payongayong turned over the Executive Order enjoining the inclusion of youth as a member of the PDRRMC to the DILG and NYC followed by the unveiling of the official logo of the BVYN. Likewise, the BVYN Officers were introduced and made a pledge of commitment led by Asec. Dingdong Dantes. Thereafter, the youth volunteers turned over the petition sheets and action plan to the NYC in support to the #nowph campaign that aims to raise awareness on the effects of climate change to vulnerable communities.
DILG OIC PD David reminded the youth on their important role in nation building as stipulated in the 1987 constitution and inspired them to be good leaders who have the ability to recognize the problem and address solution before it becomes an emergency. On the other hand, NYC Commissioner Dantes, acknowledged the efforts made by the Bulacan to implement such activity since the province is the second to organize the inclusion of youth in the PDRRMC thru an Executive Order and that it will be replicated nationwide using the Province of Bulacan as a model. He highlighted the demand of the youth nationwide to be involved in the solution and now is the time for the youth to take responsibility and be part of the solution.
The government strongly believes in the ability of the youth to make significant contribution thru their active engagement and participation in the different programs of the national and provincial government in areas of disaster risk reduction and management, environment, employment and entrepreneurship, peace, sports, history, arts, culture and tourism, health and nutrition, education and values formation.
Now, the President of the BVYN, Jaime Jose, Jr., shall represent the youth sector in the Bulacan PDRRM Council. The voice of the youth will be heard more and their efforts will be coordinated with of the government especially in DRRM-related activities.
