11 legislators chosen as 2006 Kampeon ng Kabataan
BORACAY Island -- Eleven local legislators were awarded Wednesday night by the National Youth Commission (NYC) in partnership with the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) for their valuable support to youth development.
The awardees for this years's Kampeon ng Kabataan were Municipal Councilor Noriel Bernales of Nabua, Camarines Sur; Pio Antonio Borrel, municipal councilor of Capoocan, Leyte and SK Municipal Federation President Daniel Madriaga; Board Member Mila Perpetua Catabay-Lauigan of the 3rd district of the province of Cagayan; Vice Mayor Bruce Colao of Lugait, Misamis Oriental, City Councilor Jose Romeo De La Cruz of Santiago City, Isabela; Municipal Councilor Senen Lloren of Jagna, Bohol; Board Member Shirlyn Macasarte-Espuelas of the 1st district of Cotabato province; SK Federation President Sophia Marie Pagtakhan of Cavite province; Board member Shierwin Taay of Aurora province and Board Member Godofredo Tirol of the 3rd district of Bohol.
The awarding of local legislators was made during the 15th national congress of the National Movement of Young Legislators being held here in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. Earlier, the group only wanted to award 10 legislators but the plan changed. Instead, 11 legislators were awarded.
The awardees were rated according to the ordinances they sponsored. The criteria in the selection process for the ordinances were the impact of the ordinance on the youth sector, feasibility and probability of duplication, compliance with the national policies; social mobilization and innovation.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita along with NYC chair Richard Alvin Nalupta, NMYL president Julian Coseteng and NMYL executive vice president Julienne Baronda handed the awards to this year's Kampeon ng Kabataan awardees.
Ermita, in his speech to the young legislators said recipients of the Kampeon ng Kabataan awards are prime examples of how young legislators "can arouse the youth and broaden their involvement in nation building.'
The Filipino youth can truly be a potent agent for positive change if given the right attention, direction and discipline and appropriate legislations. The theme of the national congress is appropriate, he said. This year's theme is Parangal sa Kabataang Mambabatas: Susi sa Masiglang Bukas.
He said the young legislators possess the idealism and the drive to realize their boundless potential. "They have the distinct advantage of youthful vigor to make their dreams and aspirations a reality."
Ermita added they have the same dream for a better Philippines. "The vision of the present administration is to build a Philippines that is poised to join the ranks of the First World nations 20 years from now."
The executive secretary said the government has set an ambitious but achievable plan based on three objectives in order to achieve the so-called better Philippines. the objectives were to build a stroner economy; build a stronger republic and press for long-overdue political reforms.