John Melchor "Jan-Jan" Mabilog: Leading the youth to a better life
* His five programs encompass sports, moral recovery, the environment, education and livelihood
* His term leaves him three to five years service before he will decide on what he will pursue – public service or seafaring
* For livelihood, he is planning to hold seminars in order to help parents and their kids thrive in the cottage industry
Jan-Jan with parents John Henry Louis and
Daisy May Mabilog.
John Melchor Mabilog has his hands full being the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) President for Iloilo. But despite his young age of 17, Jan exudes an attitude of confidence and firmness that every public servant ought to have. After all, when you are public property, people tend to bend you in whatever way they want. But since one can't please everybody, these values become one's allies.
Jan-Jan is the son of Daisy May and John Henry Louis Mabilog. The latter is the elder brother of Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
Programs and Actvities
His battlecry is "Sulong Kabataan, Sulong Iloilo. Sulong Kabataang Ilonggo." His five programs encompass sports, moral recovery, the environment, education and livelihood. Thus, he prepared several activities that are geared towards the fulfillment of his programs.
This summer, he held the SK Week as well as a two-day interdistrict sportsfest.
He also had all village SK chairpersons support the Waste Market Fair being spearheaded by SM City and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They collected recyclable stuff and sold them at the said fair. This is under the SK's project called "Kwarta sa Basura." Each village can garner points from the wastes participation. So, apart from earning, they also earn points that will enable them to receive additional prizes.
The artist
He also activated the Sangguniang Kabataan Anti Drug Abuse Council (SKADAC). Here, each village is headed by the 4th SK Councilor and 20 percent of the Katipunang Kabataan members.
He is also planning to hold a seminar called "Iskolar BOS (Basic Orientation Seminar)". "Through this, we will know our role and practices. This will be conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Youth Commission (NYC) on June 20, 21 and 22.
Jan-Jan also bats for having a scholar in each village out of the city's 180 barangays. He still awaits each SK's development plan before releasing a budget for this project.
Also, Jan plans to have an SK deputization, so they could report on illegal structures. "We get funds from building permits. Twenty percent of the 80 percent from the said permit payments go to the SK funds. This is provided for by Ordinance 2002 Series of 159," he said.
For livelihood, he is planning to hold seminars in order to help parents and their kids thrive in the cottage industry. "They can be taught how to make yemas, candies, sculptures and other skill and talent enhancements."
The SK has also partnered with agencies like call centers. "This way, we help the out-of-school-youth apply for jobs here. We also encourage them to go to job fairs."
The Organization
John Melchor 'Jan-Jan' Mabilog
When Jan was asked as regards the proposal to abolish the SK, he answered, "I encourage the SKs to minimize sports activities. Yes, we were known for this and this is also the reason why there's a proposal to abolish us. People said that we have taken for granted the other programs in favor of sports," he said. "It's a shame if the SK will be abolished because we have so many programs. Contrary to what some think, we are doing our job."
Last March 2008, the national SK held an election at the Marikina Hotel wherein more than 100 SK Presidents attended. Jan-Jan is part of the line-up of the Assistant Auditor of the National SK and National Executive Board. He is quite happy in attending events like this because of the exchange of ideas. "Every quarter, we meet in different places."
Guidance
Jan-Jan is very lucky because he has enough guidance from his parents, the Vice Mayor and former SK President and now City Councilor Julienne Baronda. "My greatest mentor is Vice Mayor Mabilog. The most important lesson he taught me is just to be myself when it comes to politics."
"When I was little, I was taught to respect my elders. I need their help because they are more experienced," Jan said. He added that his respect for the elders hasn't posed a conflict between his ability to decide for himself. "I always focus on the majority," he said.
"When I started, I didn't know what to do. But I had some experience in community activities. Before I became a part of SK, I helped in their events. Several months later, I decided to run. I think, what made that victory possible is my attitude. People say I am kind, sincere and understanding. I'm also a risk taker."
Social Life and Leisure Time
Being in the SK provides Jan a very active social life. He meets new friends but has never left his old pals. "I'm still the Jan that they know," he said.
He admits that he doesn't have a girlfriend at present. "I'm still searching," he said. When asked what he looks for in a girl, he answered, "Kind, understanding of my role as a politician and public servant, someone who doesn't look for me often and lovable.
His leisure time is spent on swimming in school or the Iloilo Sports Complex, painting and sketching, playing the guitar and singing. "If there's one thing I can't do, it's dance," he said. His prowess in singing has endeared him to his fellow youth because he serenades in village events. "It's an acoustic performance. My friend who's also an SK Chairman, Ramuel Dalisay, plays the guitar while I sing."
Seafaring
Jan is taking up BS in Marine Transportation at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. So, how does he reconcile his work as a public servant and his course? "Well, the efforts I am exerting in my course speak of being active. In public service, you need to be active, too," he explains.
His term leaves him three to five years service before he will decide on what he will pursue – public service or seafaring.
"I'm also an adventurer. I like to travel to new places and meet new people."
So, while Jan waits for what the future holds for him, he's busy ensuring that the youths get what they deserve --- a better world to live in.