YOUTH

• Youth


  The critical period in a person's growth and development from the onset of adolescence towards the peak of mature, self-reliant and responsible adulthood comprising the considerable sector of the population from the age of fifteen (15) to thirty (30) years
• Definitions of youth


  • UN definition: 15-24 years old
  • Philippines definition: 15-30 years old
  • WHO definition: 10-19 years old
• As youth are increasingly demanding more just, equitable and progressive opportunities and solutions in their societies, the need to address the multifaceted challenges faced by young people (such as access to education, health, employment and gender equality) have become more pressing than ever
• The young generation simply needs to renew, refresh and maintain the current status of society. When the youth contributes his ideas and energy to resolve social issues, he becomes a capable leader and can also make a difference in the lives of others
• Importance of youth


  • They comprise 16% of the world's population
  • They are crucial for shaping society and determining the future of communities and nations
  • In the Philippines, 28% of the population is aged 10-24
  • Empowering youth is essential for their involvement in decision-making and shaping the future of the Philippines and the world
• According to IYF's Global Millennial Viewpoints Survey, young people overwhelmingly report caring about gender equity, human rights, and civic transparency, among other socially responsible values. At the same time, they feel equipped to turn their passion into meaningful action
• Peer pressure


  Doing something because you want to feel accepted and valued by your friends
• Substance abuse


  The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts
• Poverty


  Condition in which one lacks the financial resources and essentials for a certain standard of living
• Violence


  An act of physical force that causes or is intended to cause harm. The damage inflicted by violence may be physical, psychological, or both
• Crime


  The intentional commission of an act usually deemed socially harmful or dangerous and specifically defined, prohibited, and punishable under criminal law
• Educational challenges


  Include lack of engagement, poor results, lack of confidence, problems with peers and so on
• Teenage pregnancy


  Pregnancy in a female adolescent or young adult under the age of 20
• Worldwide, pregnancy problems are the top cause of death for women and girls aged 15 to 19
• The Philippines has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the Asia-Pacific region, with around 530,000 Filipina teenagers becoming pregnant each year
• In 2020, there were 62,510 live births to teenage mothers aged 10 to 19 years old in the Philippines
• Causes of teenage pregnancy


  • Lack of information about sexual and reproductive health and rights
  • Insufficient access to services tailored to young people
  • Family, community, and social pressure to marry
  • Sexual violence against children
  • Early and forced marriage
  • Lack of education or school drop-out
  • Misuse of technology
• Effects of teenage pregnancy (teen mom's perspective)


  Younger mothers in underdeveloped nations face increased vulnerability to unsafe abortions, with 3.9 million girls aged 15-19 experiencing unsafe abortions annually. Unplanned pregnancies increase health risks, including unsafe abortion, labor complications, HIV risk, and sexually transmitted infections
• Effects of teenage pregnancy (teen dad's perspective)


  Teen dads often avoid being involved in their child's life due to their lack of maturity and readiness, often due to their adolescent years being too busy with careers or schooling to fully envision providing for a family
• Effects of teenage pregnancy (child's perspective)


  Numerous risks, including low birth weight, pregnancy complications, health issues, perinatal death, lower IQ, academic achievement, socio-emotional problems, fatal accidents, and early family start-ups, all of which can lead to negative outcomes to the child
• Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)


  The 2012 RPRH Act includes a provision that mandates the Department of Education to implement age and development-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in formal and non-formal education settings
• The Youth in Nation Building Act


  Republic Act No. 8044 (June 7, 1995), created the National Youth Commission (NYC) to be the policy-making and coordinating body of all youth-related institutions, programs, projects and activities of the government agencies
• Child and Youth Welfare Code


  Presidential Decree No. 603, legally defines special categories of youths, including youthful offenders, and directs the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) to provide comprehensive services to assist in youth development
• Importance of education for youth


  Education enlightens the youth about their roles and responsibilities in society. It teaches them the values of ethics, empathy, and civic duty. By understanding their responsibilities, young individuals can contribute constructively to society
• Local Youth Development Office (LYDO)


  Operates in accordance with the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform (SK) Act of 2015 (RA 10742) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, which mandates the establishments of a Local Youth Development Office
• Youth advocates


  • Gustavo Tambunting - Filipino politician and businessman who currently serves as the representative for 2nd District of Parañaque since 2022
  • Joy Tambunting - First woman to represent Parañaque City in the House of Representatives
  • Raoul Danniel Abellar Manuel - Filipino youth activist and politician serving as the representative for Kabataan partylist
• Kabataan Party-list


  A wide network of pro-active youth and student leaders and representatives from schools, barangays, communities, organizations, and formations nation-wide, standing in the forefront of advancing youth sectoral interests inside and outside Congress
• Educational assistance by Gus and Joy Tambunting


  Turning over laptops to public school teachers, building more classrooms, and more — they plan projects to improve the state of education in Paranaque
• Childhope Philippines


  An NGO for youth in the Philippines that aims to empower the Filipino youth through various activities and programs
• Dr. Jose Rizal: '"The youth is the hope of our country"'