Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC) is poised to celebrate a significant milestone as it marks its 10th Anniversary on August 18, 2023.
Founded in 2013, SKC has been a beacon of youth empowerment that created a significant impact on the Philippines' developmental landscape for a decade now.
SKC is a non-government organization and national coalition of youth and youth-serving organizations that represents more than 55,000 young people across the Philippines. Guided by a brilliant team of passionate and inspiring young leaders, SKC is committed to amplifying the voices of Filipino youth - empowering them to become active catalysts of change and advancements in our country.
In a transformative journey that began on August 18, 2013, a few days after the International Youth Day which is observed every 12th day of August, SKC has championed the cause of youth empowerment by providing a platform for young leaders to unite and collaborate. SKC also strived to drive meaningful impact through targeted initiatives aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) bearing the vision for a stronger and more resilient Philippines.
SKC has identified six developmental priorities in line with UN-SDGs that served as the roadmap for SKC's efforts – directing its unified actions towards meaningful contribution to the nation's sustainable growth and progress.
Development Priorities:
Quality and Accessible Education for All: Recognizing the transformative power of education, SKC is committed to ensuring that every Filipino youth has access to quality education regardless of their personal circumstances. As part of this commitment, SKC has launched the Books and Toys for Mangyan Children (BTMC) Project. Inspired by a Hanoi-based NGO founded by a World Economic Forum fellow, this project is dedicated to ethnic minorities such as the Tau-buid Mangyan Tribe. This initiative centers on providing the tribesmen the access to education and livelihood opportunities. A simple gift-giving that started in 2014 has evolved into an annual project with a more pronounced goal of elevating the tribe's people's holistic lifestyle.
SKC has likewise undertaken Project Kababata: Kalinga sa Bawat Bata, an advocacy campaign directed towards mainstreaming Sustainable Development Goals amidst a global pandemic in support of the mission to boost education. This project is a collaboration between SKC and the Global Institute for Youth Development to bridge the gaps in access to education brought about by the pandemic. Led by SKC Western Visayas Regional Guild, this initiative contributed to the ongoing efforts of the local government. SKC endeavored to secure quality education and care within the community while encouraging resilience and prioritizing wellness of the youth and families.
Climate and Environmental Action: Acknowledging the urgent need for environmental conservation, SKC is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices to protect the environment and combat climate change. One of their notable efforts in this realm was the 'Reforestation in Progress', an initiative organized with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), wherein the coalition effectively mobilized its members and allies with the specific goal of planting 50,000 trees nationwide. This endeavor exemplifies SKC's commitment to translating their principles into concrete actions that contribute to their overarching mission.
Poverty Reduction & Access to Adequate Food: SKC worked towards alleviating poverty by championing policies and programs that create economic opportunities – ensuring adequate access to nutrition for all.
Decent Jobs and Sustainable Livelihood: SKC is committed to equipping the youth with skills and resources necessary to secure jobs and build sustainable livelihoods.
Health and Social Welfare: SKC places a strong emphasis on improving the overall health and well-being of Filipino youth, advocating for accessible healthcare services and addressing social welfare concerns. SKC collaborated with its partner networks such as the Action for Economic Reforms (AER), New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP), and Health Justice Philippines in multiple efforts to inhibit access of youth to cigarettes. These concerns were highlighted through various initiatives, underscoring the interplay between tobacco tax, the UHC Act, and youth smoking risks. The coalition actively advocates for measures prioritizing public health and equitable healthcare for underprivileged families, while pushing for the effective implementation of the UHC Act to safeguard the youth and enhance the healthcare system.
Peace in Diversity: Embracing the Philippines' tapestry of cultural richness, SKC remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing inclusivity and cohesion across diverse communities. This endeavor is driven by the aspiration to cultivate an environment of peace and unity. A cornerstone of this effort is the Philippine Intercultural Youth Convention (PIYC), a flagship program of SKC strategically designed to serve as a dynamic platform to spark dialogues on pertinent national concerns accentuating the pivotal role of youth in advancing peace and development.
Moreover, PIYC serves as an interactive arena where the vibrant hues of Philippine cultures harmonize. By facilitating convergence, the Convention significantly contributes to the cultivation of a profound appreciation among young individuals for the multifaceted cultural tapestry that defines the local heritage of the nation. This multifunctional initiative not only sparks meaningful conversations but also fosters a lasting intercultural understanding that echoes the harmony SKC strives to foster.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SKC has also been granted a Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This recognition empowers SKC to actively engage with ECOSOC and contribute to global discussions on youth empowerment, development, and sustainable solutions. This status allows SKC to voice the concerns and perspectives of Filipino youth on an international platform and further strengthen its advocacy efforts.
"Makialam! Makiisa! Makibahagi!" – Beyond being a mantra, these words encapsulate a call to action that lies at the core of SKC's identity. This rallying cry is not merely words, but an embodiment of dynamic ethos that beckons individuals to actively participate in a movement that holds the power to enact transformative change, build interconnected communities, and embolden the potential of the youth.
Ellirie Nicolas Aviles, Founder and Chairman of Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition, expressed his enthusiasm for the anniversary, stating, "As we celebrate a decade of transformative efforts, we look back on our journey and the impact we've created. This occasion isn't just a reflection of our past, but a resounding call for all our members to once again unite under the SKC banner – igniting the flames of meaningful change within our communities."
Over the years, SKC's efforts centered on empowering young people through training, education, and civic engagements – molding the youth into becoming leaders and agents of change in their communities.
As SKC embarks on the next phase of its journey, the organization invites all to join in commemorating its 10th Founding Anniversary, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and community progress.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
