Youth ‘activism’ in time of the pandemic
By Venus L. Garcia
In this day and age, the young people are no longer excluded from real world affairs and involvement in decision-making. The wave of youth activism now seem to have a silver lining in the selfless heroism of young bloods.
For Janree Gonzales, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federated President of Surigao City, now is the time to spur youth activism. Activism, he said, in such a way that encourages vigorous action and campaign for "Bayanihan."
He said that at this time of the pandemic the younger generations have to step up their efforts, participate, and show support to the agenda of the government that are most beneficial to the people especially during this time of global crisis due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
"This means we simply need to follow the health protocols and guidelines imposed in order to curb the spread of the virus. Our cooperation is important in the fight against COVID-19," he said with further emphasis that no extraordinary skill or talent is required but a willful act that could contribute in preventing the transmission of the virus.
Young people are among those impacted by the current crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic but according to Gonzales during the Laging Handa Network Briefing today hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, they find meaningful ways to contribute in helping the communities. He said that together with the SK officials and members, they assisted and provided frontline service at the entry points of the city.
They also have prepared more than 20,000 relief goods that were distributed to family beneficiaries. The "habal-habal" (motorcycle taxi with seats extended sideways) drivers have also benefitted from the 5,000 relief packs that they had donated.
Gonzales even mentioned during his guesting in the Laging Handa Network Briefing that per data from the local school board, a decrease in the number of enrollees was noted in the area that is why the Department of Education (DepEd) initiated to conduct a campaign in the barangays informing the public about the ongoing enrollment at that time.
Elevating his civic leadership as the SK federated President, he said he already issued a memorandum allocating a part of their budget for the procurement of school supplies and hygiene kits to be distributed to the underprivileged students.
He also disclosed that just recently they collaborated with the ‘Project Pagsubook’ and ‘Kat-on Surigao’ (Learn Surigao). Both are youth-led organizations that aim to provide assistance to the target public schools and students.
The SK Federation of Surigao City will aid in identifying the recipient elementary and secondary schools from the 15 barangays in the mainland Surigao.
“We are glad to have partnered with Project Pagsubook and Kat-on Surigao. Our goal is to achieve youth empowerment and promote youth participation in advancing positive change.
So, this is basically a ‘youth for youth’ initiative where we aim to support the young individuals by imparting to them the needed school materials,” explained Gonzales.
Leading forward to a more responsible and responsive youth sector, Gonzales said that their group is committed in unleashing their youthful power to advocate in learning continuity.
Sec. Andanar lauded the contributions and best practices of the SK Federation of Surigao City and encouraged the members to remain steadfast in pursuing and achieving the significant goals of the organization. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
