Legarda: Youth Engagement in Governance is Alive in the 1st Philippine Model Congress

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA LAUDED THE UPCOMING 1ST PHILIPPINE MODEL CONGRESS TO BE HELD IN THE PHILIPPINE SENATE BUILDING THIS JULY 28, AND SAID THAT THE HIGHSCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENT LEADERS WHO WILL JOIN ARE THE PROOF THAT ENGAGEMENT IN GOVERNANCE IS VERY MUCH ALIVE IN YOUTH TODAY.
“The voice of the youth is important, indeed in all democracies, and the enthusiasm for this event should reassure us that we will have more engaged and informed leaders in the years to come. Youth today are the most active partners in challenging development norms, politics, governance and leadership. We should encourage the carefully selected youth delegates to make the most out of this rare opportunity and support this promising initiative,” she said.
She further remarked that “This is the nation’s first government simulation program where delegates will engage in open debates, caucuses, committee meetings, and plenary sessions to accurately and effectively experience the legislative process. All the delegates will learn and contribute to government and governance long after this experience.”
Modeled after conferences hosted by Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and other international universities, the Philippine Model Congress (PMC) is a collaborative effort by Filipino college students from various universities, and has earned the accreditation and sponsorship of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 350 high school and college student leaders from all over the country will participate in the PMC.
“The conference will give the student population a voice on current matters through a deep immersion in Philippine politics. The product of the program will be the submission of the bills approved in PMC to various Congressional committees. This event, created by the youth for the youth, is truly an admirable initiative,” she concluded.