VOICE OF THE YOUTH - General Santos: 2014

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Here's JOHN DC's promotion for Voice of the Youth Radio General Santos:

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Committee on Youth Health announces Month-Long Advocacy on the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy at the Local Health Board of GenSan

Wednesday, June 25, 2014, Alfie Q. Agang, Chairperson of Committee on Youth Health of Gensan Youth Network, attended the Local Health Board Meeting conducted at GSC Hospital Conference Hall. The meeting was called to discuss and address health-related problems in the entire city of Gensan and how government and concerned agencies will provide concrete programs and services that effectively and efficiently aid those identified societal issues and problems particularly the alarming incidence of early pregnancy cases.

As such, the City Population Management Office (CPMO) presented the “Incidence of Early/Teen Pregnancy Cases in Gensan" that called the attention of the members of the Local Health Board due to the fact that early and unplanned pregnancies among young girls are increasing exponentially. The exponential growth of the cases of teen pregnancy is alarming because the presented data have recorded young mothers and fathers who become parents at age of 13.

Moreover, higher pregnancy cases are recorded from urban barangays like Labangal, Fatima, Calumpang, and Apopong. As enumerated in the data, young girls who became pregnant are residing domestically. More so, the data highlights the significance that the government and concerned agencies will create immediate programs and services that can truly reduce the high percentage of teen pregnancy in the city.

With this, Committee on Youth Health announces the forthcoming Month Long Advocacy on the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy this October to Local Health Board to help Local Government Unit in addressing and combating the problems of teen pregnancy. This event is also aiming to raise awareness and to provide vital information to young generals that will genuinely help them pave a road to better quality of life or standard quality of life.

"We will be conducting series of meetings to those various concerned agencies to finalize the conduct of the event, and also, pulling and asking their supports to make the forthcoming Month Long Advocacy on the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy possible,” Agang said.

The Local Health Board meeting ended successfully and positively with the collaborative and collectivize supports and efforts of the panel and concerned individuals and institutions.

Friday, June 27, 2014

GenSan hosts Regional NAPC Seminar

by Ghian Karlo S. Belonio

Wow! Gensan. Another milestone for the advancement of our country has been set up last May 12-14, 2014 at Phela Grande Hotel of Gen. Santos City. The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) conducted its Second Round of Regional Assemblies on Harnessing Basic Sector/Civil Society Collectivity and Capacities on the Ground Seminar.

The participants of the said event were the different delegates all across South, Western, and Central Mindanao and General Santos City, with the latter as the host city. The core purpose of the three-day seminar is to promote People’s Participation in decision-making as amended by the 1987 Philippine Constitution Sections 15 and 16.

The participants were then divided into groups that would represent each of the 14 sectors currently existing in the society these days. These sectors are the Farmers and Landless Rural Workers (FLRW), Fisherfolk Indigenous People, Urban Poor, Workers in the Informal Sector (WIS), Formal Labor and Migrant Workers (FLMW), Women, Senior Citizens, Youth and Students, Children, Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s), Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), Cooperatives, and the Victims of Disasters and Calamities (VDC).

On the first day, the agenda about the Bottom’s Up Budgeting (BUB) was spearheaded by Cathy Ocampo of the NAPC Central Office in Manila. “The reason why there is BUB is to give power back to the people – the Filipinos. BUB’s are made annually due to the jurisdictions of Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino’s platform of “Daang Matuwid.”

Together with BUB, some projects are also working to promote progress in our society. These are the Grass Roots Participatory Budgeting (GRPB) and Budget ni Boss (BNB). BNB, GRPB, and BNB are sharing the same mission in their programs. Their missions are to (1) Institute institutional governance reforms through incentives; (2) Responsiveness of the National Government to the local needs; (3) Participation of all Filipino in planning and budgeting; (4) Empower citizens – organize, mobilize, unity from agenda.

Ocampo also stated the poverty incidence in our country, that almost half of our country’s population are considerably poor. That is why the national government is implementing programs to cease these problems. One of those is the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT). RPRAT, together with the Local Government Units (LGU’s) are working side by side to solve the crisis in our society.

Ocampo also talked about the National Budget Memorandum 121 and the Joint Circular Memorandum (JCM). Under the JCM are 4 major streams in our government, these are the DILG, DSWD, DBM, and NAPC. The purpose of JMC is to regulate the continuation of R.A. No. 10352 (GAA FY 2013) or the projects enacted last year and the 2014 Appropriations under R.A. No. 10633 (GAA FY 2014). The scope of guidelines in the JCM selection includes the (1) Fund Release; (2) Project Validation; (3) Project Replacement.

BUB Projects made this year are only valid up until December 31, 2015 except the DOE Programs. On the second day, the focus was all subjected to the sectorial mapping and project application for the BUB 2-14. The sectorial mapping is primarily concerned about the updates of all projects and programs of BUB 2013. Some programs and organizations that were not able to pass the sectorial mapping are subjected to be marked off the list of the organizations and programs.

By afternoon until evening, the time was consumed greatly by the applications of new organizations with programs for its members. Representations of the applications of new organizations were strictly observed by all participants and NAPC facilitators. Due to the line time consumes by the representations, the scheduled solidarity night was suspended.

On the third and final day of seminar, discussions were continued by USEC, Erlinda Tulpio. Overall, the participants were guided and informed regarding anti-poverty projects and programs.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Committee on Environment calls a meeting for the City’s celebration of Arbor Day 2014

By Aldrin P. Cosme

Hon. Eduardo Leyson IV called a meeting last June 13, 2014 at the Session Hall of the Legislative Building to discuss the City’s Arbor Day Celebration on June 20 with the different sectors of the society.

During the earlier minutes of the proceedings, City Councilor Leyson IV, Committee Chairman on Environment, presented the newly-approved City Resolution and Ordinance pertaining to the celebration. Those papers were based in the Republic Act 101761 or the Arbor Day Act of 2012 and the annual celebration of the said event will be on every third Friday of the month of June.

Arbor Day refers to the day of planting trees. Global Warming is one of the major issues that affect the world. Hence, the vitality of trees was acknowledged since trees have the ability to absorb the greenhouse gases that influence this environmental phenomenon. In response to the government’s environmental advocacy, several sectors of the society attended to the call. The OIC/CPCRB of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) Police Chief/Inspector Michael Fodejerte and Captain Erwin Felongco from Joint Task Force Gensan were present. Mr. Victorino Fuentes represented the Department of Education. Several other sectors were also present like the Philippine Coconut Authority, City Agriculture’s Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Philippine Airforce, Mahintana Foundation, City Population Management Office, Gensan Youth Network, and Voice of the Youth Gensan.

Representatives from the City Agriculture’s Office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office promised to allocate 100 jackfruit seedlings to the 26 Barangays of the city. Ronnie John Barrientos assured the participation of the members of the Gensan Youth Network. On the other hand, Harlem Jude Ferolino of Voice of the Youth Gensan offered help in the promotion of the event in the social media.

After the meeting, Hon. Eduardo Leyson IV left a message regarding the significance of the celebration. According to him, the cooperation of all sectors is really important since this is a sign that we are giving chance to the next generation to experience the environment we have right now.

WATCH THE SHORT INTERVIEW:

VOTY and GYN Members with the City Councilor Eduardo Leyson IV

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

KIKIMBING: A Solidarity Caravan for Peace and Anti-Discrimination - Soon in GenSan!

Youthcast by Harlem Jude P. Ferolino

Have you tried playing "Kikimbing" as a child? The Generation Z, or the Techie-Generation, might not be familiar to this, but for those who belong to the generation before the new millennium, this might be a bit nostalgic.

*KIKIMBING is a child play popular in local communities in the Philippines. The players sing the "Kikimbing" rhyme song and link hands together in a straight line, with the last person going under the arm of the first person who has placed his/her hand usually on a wall or a tree, while everybody maintains the link. The other players will continue playing the game until everyone has their hands crisscrossed facing the opposite direction.

The activity promotes solidarity and unity as everyone shares the same mission to finish the game in full circle without breaking the tie. If you still can't get it, here's a sample:

Video from YOUTUBE uploaded by Proud Orasnon

This game became the title of the Solidarity Caravan which will soon be held in General Santos City. The activity bears campaigns concerning Peace, Unity in Diversity, No-to-Mandatory-HIV-Testing, Anti-Discrimination, Youth Participation and many others. Like the "Kikimbing" game, the caravan will promote solidarity among the community and the enthusiasm to support one another in ensuring harmony in the city of GenSan.

As observed, the youngest generation today are not familiar with this traditional game perhaps of the popular use of social media and online gaming. Through this caravan, an activity of playing the game will be part of the ceremony introducing "Kikimbing" to the new generation, at the same time sharing the mission to the Filipino Youth in continuing to be the active bearers of the society. If the young ones are taught, they will be inspired to do the same on the next generation. This is a way in ensuring SOLIDARITY within the community.

Proponents:

Hate-Free GenSan,

SHINE Soccsksargen,

Gensan Youth Network,

Voice of the Youth Radio - General Santos

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

GenSan Youth Network conducts its 3rd Meeting, Workshop, and Team Building

Youthcast by James Rafols

GenSan Youth Network (GYN) held its 3^rd meeting at Lagare Resort this 1^st of May 2014. The said network presented its mission and vision together with its official description to the young individuals who are present on the said meeting. GenSan Youth Network also presented its Committees and the functions and resolutions of its committees namely: the committee of Youth Rights, Welfare, and Participation; Environment; Culture and Arts; Livelihood; Educations; Sports and Recreation; and Health.

Mr. Lawrence Regalado of the City Population Management Office presented the Incidence of Young Parents in General Santos 2014 and the Perception Study on Youth Survey 2014. As an action, the GYN Members were divided into several groups to discuss and make solutions regarding the issue on Teenage Pregnancy.

GYN talked about the last minute of meeting regarding the Membership and Disqualification of its members. Many problems arose during this time but the members and the officers look forward to polish the rules and regulations of the organization for the upcoming meeting on May 19, 2014.

GYN with City Councilor Dominador Lagare III

VOTY Radio - General Santos with the Hon. City Councilor

Boodle Fight

Team Building . . .

Photo Credits: Chester La Rosa

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Voice of the Youth General Santos supports the GenSan Youth Network

By Harlem Jude P. Ferolino

Through the help of the City Population Management Office, several Youth organizations in General Santos City came up with a Mother Network which will unite all young people (individual/organizations) as a venue for local/city development during the Youth Conference, held in April 7, 2014, an event organized for the Gensan Summerfest, the 1st Youth Festival in Soccsksargen. The name “Gensan Youth Network” was first proposed the following day, April 8, 2014, during the 1st meeting attended by 12 youth leaders from different organizations in the city. It was approved at the 2nd meeting held at the CPMO in April 15, 2015, where majority of the 28 participants voted to use the “Gensan Youth Network” as the official name.

Here is the list of the organizations represented by the 28 young people who attended the meeting:

Teen Support Group (TSG) – Mindanao State University-Gensan, MSU-CETD, Dadiangas North High School, Holy Trinity College, Tinagacan National High School, Bula National School of Fisheries
Supreme Student Government (SSG) – A.G. Busano Sr. High School, Dadiangas North High School, Holy Trinity College of G.S.C., Lagao National High Schol (Main), Tinagacan National High School, Irineo Santiago National High School, Bula National High School

AFS of Sociology Department, MSU-Gensan

Voice of the Youth General Santos (VOTY Gensan)

Human Rights Society of MSU (HURISO)

Junior Chamber International (JCI)

FEED of MSU-Gensan

CESO of MSU-Gensan

YECS of MSU-Gensan

Youth Representatives from different Organizations

By Luwelyn Mae Mahinay

   Various youth organizations in General Santos City were summoned and gathered at KCC Convention and Events Center to attend the 1st Youth Conference 2014, April 7, 2014.

   Voice of the Youth (VOTY) - General Santos, represented by Ms. Luwelyn Mae Mahinay, and other organized groups were privileged to be acknowledged and thanked by the Honorable City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, as well as the distinguished councilors and guest speakers, for being a part of this innovative movement for Youth Networking and Database.

Voice of the Youth – GenSan Conducts its First Orientation and Planning Activity

by Sarah F. Ubpon

Inform. Inspire. Involve. Empower. That’s what Voice of the Youth Network stands for as its General Santos City chapter held its first orientation and planning last 14th of April 2014 at the AS Mini Theater of the CSSH Building of Mindanao State University. The meeting has been under the supervision of Harlem Jude Ferolino, the president of VOTY Gensan.

The event primarily discussed the advocacies and activities of the growing organization. Furthermore, an encouraging speech from an MSU Alumnus and youth advocate, Mr. Joesam Dequia has given rise to positive reactions on the current issues which affects the youth in every aspect of today’s society. This first acquaintance also became the venue for idea sharing and appointment of committee heads.

The gathering has been a success considering the response that the founding members got from the crowd and the promise of a better and louder voice that this developing youth organization is bound to share.

Photos by: Joann F. Villa

City of General Santos launches 1st GenSan Youth Convergence

by Dave Sapalo Agno

Prevailing status of youth today is very alarming to its extent. Through the eyes of government and concerned individuals, this must engender solutions. Many issues have been dramatically considered to aid the ever worsening problems of youth and have been held on the table as main concerns of local government programs. In virtue of the City Mayor Honorable Ronnel C. Rivera, the City Population Management Office headed the launching of the 1st GenSan Youth Convergence at GenSan Gym, Lagao last April 9, 2014 to gather all the youth in GenSan together in an event to solidify the welfare, involvement, leadership, discipline, and morale of youth and to address their status qou

City Mayor Hon. Ronnel C. Rivera seized the honor to officially start the convergence together with the invited guests and speakers namely Usec. Tomasito Villarin Political Adviser, Office of the President, Usec. Leon Flores III Office of the National Youth Commission, Hon. Shandee Llido-Pestaño that were caught by camera lenses and pens of media. 1st GenSan Youth Convergence was attended by leaders of all school-based, high schools and colleges/universities, and non school based organizations ranging to 3,000 up to 4,000 youth in GenSan as well as the Sport Divisions of 26 barangays of the city participated for the formal opening of GenSan Summerfest formed part of the program.

GENSAN establishes Voice of the Youth Radio

By Katrina Buhian

Spearheaded by Mindanao State University’s first MSU Got Talent grand winner, dancer and choreographer, and Voice of the Youth - General Santos Head Harlem Jude Ferolino, MSU launches its first-ever Voice of the Youth Radio Booth, March 20, 2014, at Mindanao State University – General Santos City.

Co-hosted by Luwelyn Mae Mahinay, with guest host Sarah Ubpon, the team tackled about relevant issues regarding the youth as well as volunteerism, an important aspect that will shape the future for the youth in the society. The newly established Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Radio - General Santos encouraged the youth to become active participants in the relevant issues concerning the city, the community, and the country.

Voice of the Youth Radio is powered by Voice of the Youth Network, which is founded by Pocholo “The Voicemaster” Gonzales, an advocate for youth participation, free information to youth opportunities and youth empowerment and leadership, a professional voice talent on radio, tv and movies, radio announcer and an entrepreneur.

Youthcasters, headed by Katrina Buhian and Adonis Hornoz, were tasked to deliver the current news that primarily concerns the youth, such as the RH Bill and international issues that can widen the perspective of the youth into other relations. Trivia tidbits were delivered by Gretchen Alexis Centino, for further mind enriching factual information. The team aims for the youth to be heard and be active in the country’s current concerns and issues with the positive use of media and the current technology.