Youth

Bam: Children now Protected during Disasters, Calamities

The measure that will provide utmost protection to Filipino children during disasters, calamities and armed conflicts is now a law, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

In a simple ceremony in Malacanang Tuesday, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10821, or the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.

“We welcome the enactment of this measure into law. This is timely especially with the La Nina phenomenon expected to hit the country in the coming months,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth and a co-author of the measure in the Senate.

The law provides utmost priority to children during and after every disaster as they are the most vulnerable and are worst affected during disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flash floods.

It will also establish child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development.

It mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children and local government units to integrate the said program in their development and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) plans and budget.

“While we have already made big improvements in the field of disaster risk reduction on a national and local level, now we have the opportunity to target our Filipino children, one of the most vulnerable sectors during times of calamity,” said Sen. Bam.

According to Sen. Bam, existing policies will also be reviewed to give better support to Filipino children, especially during disasters, calamities or in armed conflict to help lessen trauma, restore normalcy quickly and build their resilience better.

“We will continue to work in protecting our Filipino children during disasters, calamities, or armed conflict, but also to reduce trauma and build their resistance to these threats,” he added.

During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, Aquino said an estimated six million children were affected, according to data from Save the Children. 

“A national program is crucial in the most vulnerable areas of the country, where the experience of prolonged displacement would have a profound impact on the children’s sense of security, physical and emotional well-being,” Sen. Bam said.

This is Aquino’s 13th law in less than three years as senator.

Bam: Senate OKs Bill Protecting Children Against Disasters

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill creating a national program that will provide protection and assistance to Filipino children affected by disasters, calamities and armed conflicts.

According to Sen. Bam Aquino, a co-author of Senate Bill No. 3034 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, children will be given utmost priority during and after every disaster.

“We will continue to work in protecting our Filipino children during disasters, calamities, or armed conflict, but also to reduce trauma and build their resistance to these threats,” Sen. Bam said.

As an archipelago lying along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Sen. Bam stressed that the country is one of the most vulnerable to the threat of climate change.

“While we have already made big improvements in the field of disaster risk reduction on a national and local level, now we have the opportunity to target our Filipino children, one of the most vulnerable sectors during times of calamity,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth.

In filing the measure, Sen. Bam underscored the need to focus on Filipino children as they are the most vulnerable and are worst affected during disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flash floods.

During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, Aquino said an estimated six million children were affected, according to data from Save the Children. 

If enacted into law, existing policies will be reviewed to give better support to Filipino children, especially during disasters, calamities or in armed conflict to help lessen trauma, restore normalcy quickly and build their resilience better.

“A national program is crucial in the most vulnerable areas of the country, where the experience of prolonged displacement would have a profound impact on the children’s sense of security, physical and emotional well being,” Sen. Bam said.

The measure also pushes for child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development.

“Providing the targeted needs of the Filipino children, specifically during times of distress, ensures the long-term security and health of our nation,” Aquino stressed.

 

 

Sen. Bam urges youth to be agents of change in May elections

Sen. Bam Aquino called on the Filipino youth to be agents of change as the country selects its next set of leaders in May 2016.
 
The senator made this call during the 13th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) awarding ceremony at Malacañan Palace Thursday.
 
“Once again, we have the opportunity to place our vote on Filipinos we believe will lift the country to greater heights, not just for ourselves, not just for a chosen few, but for each and every Filipino – especially those that are living in poverty and isolation,” said Sen. Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth
 
Sen. Bam stressed that the vote of the Filipino youth is critical, with 40 percent of total voters falling within the age of 18 and 30 years old.
 
“Sadly, many have low expectations of young Filipinos, believing that they would be easily swayed by propaganda, entertaining memes, and catchy jingles,” the senator said.
 
TAYO 13 winners

TAYO 13 winners

 
Sen. Bam also encouraged the youth to erase this notion and silence doubters by “choosing wisely, choosing selflessly, and choosing with the Philippines at heart.
 
At the same time, Sen. Bam hailed the 19 TAYO finalists, calling them “exemplars of Filipino youth”.
 
“You, all of you, are the reason I can say to all these detractors… that young men and women from across the Philippines can and will make better decisions for our country, for our future,” Sen. Bam said.
 
This year’s TAYO 13 winners are the School of Law Advocacy and Community Enrichment of University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City, I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference), Inc. from Mandaluyong City, Tanay Mountaineers from Rizal, Kanlaon Theater Guild from Bacolod City;
 
Environment and Climate Change Research Institute of De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon City, Keep Hope Alive Mansalay from Oriental Mindoro, Youth Sports Advocacy from Quezon City, Bayugan National Comprehensive High School of YECS Bayugan City, Tobog Youth Organization from Oas, Albay and UP ALCHEMES (Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students) from Quezon City.
 
TAYO 13 finalists
 
The winners of the TAYO People’s Choice Awards are I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference), Inc. for Culture and the Arts, Peace and Human Development,  UP ALCHEMES (Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students) for Education and Technology, TUP Instrumentation and Controls Students’ Society (City of Manila) for Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, Youth Sports Advocacy (Quezon City) for Health, Nutrition and Well-being and  Philippine Junior Jaycees – Tacloban Sinirangan Chapter for Livelihood and Entrepreneurship.
 
 

Bam: SK Reform with First Anti-Dynasty Provision Passed on Bicam

The country will soon have its first anti-dynasty law with the bicameral conference committee’s approval of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act.

According to Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth, the bicameral conference committee has approved the inclusion of an anti-dynasty provision which bars relatives of local elected and appointed officials up to second level of consanguinity and relatives of national and appointed officials from sitting as SK officials.

“We’re now getting closer to making the country’s SK system into an effective way to shape the youth to become better and effective public servants in the future,” said Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.

“With its anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act aims to implement genuine reform in the country’s electoral system when it comes to youth representation,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam headed the Senate contingent while South Cotabato Pedro Acharon led the House contingent in the bicameral conference committee.

Other lawmakers who joined the bicameral conference committee were Sens. JV Ejercito, Koko Pimentel, Nancy Binay; Dinagat Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez and Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony del Rosario.

Aside from the anti-dynasty provision, the bicameral conference committee also approved the adjustment of age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

If enacted into law, SK officials are required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The SK Reform Act also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the Sangguniang Kabataan and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

“The LYDC aims to harmonize, broaden and strengthen all programs and initiatives of the local government and non-governmental organizations for the youth sector,” said Sen. Bam, a former student council president and chair of the National Youth Commission.

Furthermore, the ratified version will allow the SK financial empowerment and accountability, where 10% of baranggay funds will be managed by the youth leaders for their projects and programs. They may enter contracts on their own, but will be accountable for all disbursements.

Once ratified by both Houses, the final version of the SK Reform Act will be transmitted to Malacanang for President Aquino’s approval.

Also, National Youth Commission Chairman Gio Tingson lauded the development.

“Legislators have long promised reforms for the youth. This is a concrete delivery of that promised and we thank our champion legislators for their untiring efforts for the Filipino youth,” he said.

Bam: Genuine Electoral Reform within Reach with House Approval of SK Reform Bill

The first genuine electoral reform system in the country is now within reach with the House of Representatives’ approval of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Bill on third and final reading.

“Equipped with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Bill will implement genuine reform in the country’s electoral system in terms of youth representation,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth.

“The measure will help turn the Sangguniang Kabataan as an effective platform for engaging and honing the youth to become better and more effective public servants in the future,” added. Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.

With the approval of the House version, a bicameral conference committee will be held to consolidate the provisions of the two versions. The final version will then be transmitted to Malacanang for President Aquino’s signature.

Last Feb. 9, 2015, the Senate passed the SK Reform Bill with four major main reforms, including the anti-dynasty provision, adjustment of age of SK officers, mandatory leadership training and the creation of local youth development councils.

“The Senate version bars relatives within a second level of consanguinity to all elected and most appointed officials from sitting as SK officials,” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, the SK Reform Bill has adjusted the age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

If enacted into law, SK officials are required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

Furthermore, the SK Reform Bill mandates the creation of Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the Sangguniang Kabataan and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

“The LYDC aims to harmonize, broaden and strengthen all programs and initiatives of the local government and non-governmental organizations for the youth sector,” said Sen. Bam, a former student council president and chair of the National Youth Commission.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Commission also welcomed the approval of the SK Reform Bill, saying it will address the prevalence of traditional politics in the country. 

“We welcome this important development.  Through an SK Reform Law, we will have a more participatory, democratic and effective form of youth governance,” said NYC  chairperson Gio Tingson.

P-Noy Signs Youth Entrepreneurship Act into Law, Boosts Fight Against Unemployment

President Aquino has signed the Youth Entrepreneurship Act into law, strengthening the government’s push to address the growing number of unemployed young people in the country.

 The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, now known as Republic Act No. 10679, was approved by the Chief Executive last August 27, 2015.

“Now that it has become a law, the government now has an additional means to address and combat the growing number of jobless youths,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, author and prinicipal sponsor of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act.

“This law will open more opportunities for the youth to become more productive citizens of the country through entrepreneurial means,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth, and Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) said that there are around 1.32 million unemployed youth, with ages ranging from 15 to 24 years old as of January 2015.

The measure creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inculcate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.

“This Act will help revolutionize our mindset as a people from wanting to be an employee of a company to being a boss of our own enterprise,” Sen. Bam stressed.

The Act also provides would-be youth entrepreneurs access to financing, training, market linkages, and other means of support that will help them run and develop their own business.

With the approval of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Sen. Bam now has five laws to his credit in two years.

The neophyte senator principally sponsored and co-authored the Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act 10667. He also principally sponsored the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Republic Act 10668.

Last year, the President approved the Go Negosyo Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Bam, and the Philippine Lemon Law.

In addition to his laws, Sen. Bam has initiated investigation into the slow and expensive Internet in the country and the congestion that hounded Port of Manila early this year.  It was resolved and operations went to normal capacity early this year.

Moreover, Sen. Bam has filed resolutions to investigate the Bureau of Customs’ controversial policy on balikbayan boxes and look into possible means to alleviate the Metro Manila traffic problem.

Congress Ratifies Youth Entrepreneurship Act

Both houses of Congress have ratified the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, seen as an effective tool to address the growing number of jobless young people in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

“With its imminent passage into law, the government can now meet the challenges of youth unemployment head on,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth, and Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“The passage of this law only shows that the government is serious in addressing youth unemployment, which I consider as a growing epidemic that should be looked into immediately,” added the senator.

In their latest report, the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) and National Statistics Office (NSO) said that there are 1.32 million youth from ages 15 to 24 years old as of January 2015.

“This is unacceptable because we have a lot of promising youth whose talents are going down the drain because of lack of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said that European countries have provided billions of Euros worth of loans for the youth to help them start their own businesses.

The measure aims to change the public school curriculum and paradigm, as it creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inclucate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.

“This Act has the potential to revolutionize our mindset as a people from wanting to be an employee of a company to being a boss of their own enterprise,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

The Act also provides would-be youth entrepreneurs access to financing, training, market linkages, and other means of support that will help them run and develop their own business.

Bam: Help DepEd Prepare for K-to-12 Challenges

Senator Bam Aquino urges different stakeholders to help the Department of Education (DepEd) prepare for the challenges ahead regarding the K-to-12 Program, instead of tearing down this crucial educational reform initiative.

“The challenges ahead are real but we still have time. Change is difficult. Reforms are difficult but they need to be done,” said Aquino during the Senate Committee on Education hearing on the implementation of the K-to-12 program.

“From where we are now and where we need to be next year, needs a lot of cooperation from many different sectors,” the senator stressed.

Sen. Bam suggested the creation of K to 12 Local Readiness Councils composed of teachers, parents and businesses to help address any gaps left for the K-to-12 Program.

“The DepEd can convert existing Brigada Eskwela structures in localities to be their main partners on the ground to support the K to 12 implementation,” suggested Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam emphasized that concerned government agencies must be prepared for challenges ahead as they implement the program that is expected to modernize the country’s educational system.

“Now is the time to work together for our youth, not tear down reforms that we need to be globally competitive,” added Sen. Bam.

DepEd officials, led by Secretary Armin Luistro, expressed confidence that the department can fill up around 30,000 vacant teaching positions needed to effectively implement the program.

“We need to ensure that we can get teachers who are competent and have the right discipline to match the needs the schools have,” Sen. Bam said.

During its presentation, the DepEd said it is currently training 70,000-plus teachers for elementary and 80,000-plus teachers for high school as of 2015 to prepare them for the program.

“We’ve been doing the reforms for five years now.  Ngayon pa ba tayo bibitiw? Kailangan lahat ay kasama rito – ang pamahalaan, ang private schools, ang mga teachers’ groups, mga estudyante, pati business sector – dapat magkaisa sa pagpapatupad ng repormang ito,” the senator said.

 The DepEd also plans to conduct a massive information campaign, including the establishment of help desks in schools, to enlighten the public about the program.

“The Philippine education reform is not only the DepEd’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s responsibility,” added the senator.

Bam: Immediately Address Youth Unemployment

A lawmaker urges the government to address the growing number of unemployed Filipino youth, which is currently estimated at 1.32 million.

 

According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) and National Statistics Office (NSO), the current national rate of unemployed Filipinos is at 6.6% or at 2.7 million as of January 2015, up from 6.0% as reported in October 2014.

 

From the 6.6%, 49.1 percent of the unemployed Filipinos belong to the age bracket of 15 to 24 years old or 1.32 million.

 

“Nakakaalarma na mas maraming kabataan ngayon ang walang trabaho,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

 

To help address this problem, Sen. Bam has filed Senate Resolution No. 1268 seeking to encourage concerned government agencies to create employment opportunities for the youth.

 

“1.32 milyong kabataan ang hindi nakakatulong sa kanilang mga pamilya at sa ating bansa,” added Sen. Bam.

 

Also, the resolution also urges government agencies to formulate programs to address the needs of young Filipinos, including the unemployed youth, workers in vulnerable employment and young entrepreneurs.

 

Sen. Bam sees the need for relevant government agencies such as the Department of Labor, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the National Economic Development Authority to collaborate and coordinate more to address the problem.

 

“In order to strategically and significantly promote job generation for young Filipinos and propose interventions on economic policies, there should be a coordinated policy framework to address the challenges of youth unemployment,” said Sen. Bam.

 

Sen. Bam encouraged the government to prioritize programs that will enhance labor market information, skills training and upgrading, online job matching and entrepreneurial skills.

 

“Through the years, there has been a mismatch between the available jobs and available skills in the labor force, which is considered as one of the main reasons for youth unemployment,” said Sen. Bam.

 

“Kailangang mabigyan ng pagkakataong magkatrabaho o magkanegosyo, at lumago ang ating kabataan sa nararanasang pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

Bam: Sports School to Address International Competition Woes

In a move to develop the country’s grassroots sports, a senator has filed a bill seeking to establish a Philippine High School for Sports (PHSS) that will provide young athletes with quality sports training while learning at the same time.

“Through the PHSS Act, we have the opportunity to support young athletes and provide them valuable education along with quality sports training,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in Senate Bill No. 2697.

Explaining his measure, Aquino said the PHSS will offer, on a scholarship basis, a secondary course with special emphasis on developing the athletic skills of students through subjects pertaining to physical and sports development.

This will enable student-athletes to gain their secondary education while ensuring opportunities for their training, exposure and participation in sports competitions,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Sen. Bam believes that with the right training and education, young athletes can help put the country’s flag in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

“The PHSS will serve as the training ground where future Gilas and Azkals are honed and the future Paeng Nepomucenos and Eric Buhains are developed,” added Sen. Bam.

At present, the Philippines is home to world champions in boxing, bowling, swimming, jiu jitsu, shooting and wushu, among others.

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