The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) spearheaded the 42nd founding anniversary celebration of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) which carried the theme, “Lakas Kabataan, Tuloy Lang, Tayo’y Magtulungan Tungo sa Kaunlaran” held at Muntinlupa Sports Complex last August 27, 2016.
Youth members of the associations from seven (7) cities in Metro Manila namely Pasig, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Marikina participated in various activities such as On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest, Prepared Banner Styling, Interpretative dance.
In his speech, DSWD-NCR Regional Director Vincent Andrew T. Leyson emphasized the importance of the youth in building a better community. He said that “each one has a significant role to play in the society.”
Further, the Republic Act No. 10742 or the “Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015” was also discussed. Accordingly, the law recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and thus, promotes and protects their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being, inculcates in them patriotism, nationalism and other desirable values, and encourages their involvement in public and civic affairs.
The youth also supported the position of the Department regarding the proposed bill about Lowering of Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility which seeks to amend the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006” or Republic Act 9344 to set the minimum age for criminal liability from 15 years old to 9 years old.
“Imaginin natin na ang isang batang siyam na taong gulang ang nakakulong sa bilibid kasama ang ibang preso na nasa hustong gulang, sa tingin niyo ano ang kalalabasan nito? Lahat ng klase ng abuso na pwedeng maranasan ng isang bata ay maaring maranasan niya kapag sila ay nakakulong at higit sa lahat binabawasan o tinatanggalan natin sila ng karapatan.” Ms. Claire Toribio, Social Welfare Officer III said.
Meanwhile, one of the highlights of the said activity is the annual search for Mr. and Ms. PYAP Ambassador and Ambassadress 2016. Candidates from the seven cities competed for the coveted title.
At the end of the pageant, candidates from Marikina and Makati were hailed as Mr. and Ms. PYAP Ambassador/ Ambassadress 2016 respectively. Further, Mr. PYAP Pasig and Ms. PYAP Marikina were the 1st runner up, while Mr. PYAP Las Piñas and Ms. PYAP Pasig were the 2nd runner up
The Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines Incorporation is a duly constituted barangay based organization of the out-of-school youth between 15 to 24 years old who are clienteles of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It serves as strategy that provides forum to discuss youth issues and concerns related to their projects and come up with solution addressed to both youth and other system involved in program, planning and implementation. ###