Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Over 300 student leaders from all over the Philippines gathered at the De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila for the Filipino Youth Summit (FYS) 2023, an advocacy-based youth conference held from August 17-19, 2023. The summit was organized by the USG Office of the Vice President for External Affairs (OVPEA) and co-presented by Hello! and Vitasoy.
The theme of the summit was "Kabataan Para sa Inklusibong Pilipinas", which means "Youth for an Inclusive Philippines". The summit aimed to provide a platform for young people to discuss the challenges facing the Philippines and to take action to address them.
The summit featured a series of panel discussions on the four pillars of the theme: economy, politics, environment, and society. The panelists were experts from various fields, including government, business, academia, and civil society. They shared their insights on the challenges facing the Philippines in each of these areas, and discussed the role that young people can play in addressing them.
One of the most popular panel discussions was on the economy. The panelists discussed the high unemployment rate among young people, the rising cost of living, and the need for more investment in education and skills training. They also stressed the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of economic growth.
Another popular panel discussion was on politics. The panelists discussed the need for electoral reform, the importance of voter education, and the role of young people in holding elected officials accountable. They also discussed the need for a more inclusive political system that represents the interests of all Filipinos.
The panel discussions on the environment and society were also well-attended. The panelists discussed the challenges of climate change, the need for environmental protection, and the importance of social justice. They also discussed the role of young people in building a more sustainable and equitable future.
In addition to the panel discussions, the summit also featured workshops on topics such as leadership, advocacy, and social media activism. The delegates also had the opportunity to network with other young leaders and learn from each other's experiences.
The Filipino Youth Summit 2023 was a successful event that brought together young people from all over the country to discuss the issues that matter to them. The summit provided a platform for young people to voice their concerns and learn from experts in various fields. It also inspired the delegates to take action and work towards creating a more inclusive Philippines.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the summit:
● The youth are a powerful force for change. They are passionate about making a difference, and they are willing to work hard to achieve their goals.
● The Philippines is facing a number of challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. These challenges can only be addressed if the youth are involved in the solution.
● The youth need to be empowered to take action. They need to be given the tools and resources they need to make a difference.
● The youth need to work together. They need to build relationships and collaborate with each other to achieve their goals.
● The Filipino Youth Summit 2023 was a step in the right direction. It brought together young people from all over the country and inspired them to take action. The summit is a reminder that the youth are the future of the Philippines, and that they have the power to make a difference.
In the coming months and years, the delegates of the Filipino Youth Summit 2023 will continue to work together to address the issues that matter to them. They will use their voices to advocate for change, and they will work to create a more inclusive Philippines.