Polibiz
By Nelson C. Robles

‘KALIPI'

Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI) in cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation has recently conducted Basic Orientation Seminar on Liberal Democracy last Sunday at the Kalantiao Hall, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center.

No less than Deputy Speaker Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III of Tarlac, graced the occasion, assisted by Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. with wife former mayor of Barotac Viejo, Nonoy Myrna Causing Tupas and other local and national KALIPI officials attended the momentous affair.

Various topics were discussed, such as “The State of the Liberal Democratic Forces of the Philippines: A National Situationer by Prof. Jan-Argy Y. Tolentino, Secretary General, KALIPI-National; “The History of the Youth Movement and Youth Situationer” by Mr. Carlo B. Madrid, Convenor, National Students League; “The State of the Liberal Democratic Forces in Western Visayas: A Local Situationer and Political Mapping (for the city) by former City councilor Benjie Gengos, Chairman, LP-Iloilo City and (for the province) PBM Jeneda Salcedo, Secretary General, KALIPI-Iloilo; “Liberalism and Democracy: Basic concepts, Values and Principles by Prof. Lemuel Cacho, De La Salle University; “Organizational Oreintation : The Broad Liberal Movement by Prof. Claudette C. Tolentino, Women's committee Chair, KALIPI; “The Trajectory of Liberal Democracy in the Philippines: Focus on the Strategic Plan of the Liberal Party by Eric D. Caliboso, Area Chair, KALIPI-NCR.

A “Message of Solidarity from Friedrich Naumann Foundation” was delivered by Dr. Ronald Meinardus, FNF Resident Representative, while a “Message of Solidarity from the National Youth Commission” was delivered by Comm. Cel Aves, NYC Commissioner for the Visayas.

Mayor Raul C. Tupas, KALIPI-Provincial Chairman, was tasked to introduce Noynoy Aquino III, Secretary General, Liberal Party, while his younger sister Mrs. Niellete “Tweety” Tupas-Balleza, KALIPI Regional Secretary General was commissioned to introduce Rep. Miles Roces, President, KALIPI-National. The latter inducted the oath taking of  officers and new members a moment later.

Gov. Niel D. Tupas, electrifying as ever delivered his brief but inspiring closing remarks to the participants, majority of whom are high school and college students, the rest were young professionals coming from various provinces of Panay Islands, Guimaras and the host city, Iloilo.

One of the prime movers of the said event, Lex Tupas, the youngest member of the Tupas clan, had never expected such a huge crowd to attend in the said affair. If this could have been a barometer of the youth empowerment, then KALIPI is a force to reckon with in the coming days.

KALIPI was established on August 21, 1989 by the young turks of the Liberal Party Eli Quinto, Solfie Confiado, Dinggoy Roxas and Mikee Macapagal Arroyo. It has played a crucial role in Philippine politics; it stood for the removal of foreign military bases, stood against a coup d'etat, lobbied for the creation of the national Youth Commission, fought for the Magna Carta of the Students, KABATAANG KONTRA CHA-CHA, Anti-VFA campaign and in the 2 nd People Power Revolution which eventually had sent a corrupt president into jail.

KALIPI is composed of the youths aged 15-35 years.

If ever two of my kids, Sherah, 17, a sophomore nursing student of San Agustin University and Von Erick, 16, a freshman nautical student at John B. Lacson Foundation College would show interest to join KALIPI, I will definitely encourage them to do so without question. I will let them make history. I will let them make change. I will let them make a difference. (feedback to roblesnelson@yahoo.com )