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Acknowledgement

Writers: Ivan Emil Labayne Julius Ceasar Daguitan Tracy Ann Dumalo Paola Monica Espiritu Mia Butoeg Photo Contributors: Hazel Joy Altamarino Paola Monica Espiritu Emmanuel Bonn Taguba Layout: Pamela Peralta Cielo Marie Bayson Levi Glen Ingente Editors: Marifel Macalanda Keidy Transfiguracion

SUMMIT SECRETARIAT

Gene Tejada Finela Mejia Keidy Transfiguracion Paola Monica Espiritu Lee Biscarra Reyzell Santos Adrian Galang Teresa Manglicmot-Panem Faith Forag Michelle Santos Raia Dacanay Mia Butoeg Julius Daguitan Cielo Marie Bayson Nino Oconner Tracy Ann Dumalo Marvin Palansigui Hazel Ann Ipona Levi Glen Ingente King Cris Pulmano Tristan Ferrer Florence Kang Miguel Patrick Cerezo Ivan Emil Labayne

This are the proceedings of Think Change 2: The North Luzon Youth Summit conducted last January 2627, 2013 at Teachers camp, Baguio City. This includes pictures, workshop results and the North Luzon Youth Agenda. Kindly use proper citation when using publication. For queries contact cordillerayouthcenter@yahoo.com. ph or 446 2106 All Rights Reserved 2013.

February 2013

Introduction

Think Change 2: The North Luzon Youth Summit


Last January 2010, the First Northern Luzon Youth Summit was organized in Baguio City. Dubbed as Think Change, it was attended by around 300 delegates from all over Northern Luzon. Think Change is a call on todays Filipino youth to actively partake in influencing history and in the social transformation as way to contribute to nation building. It was also in time for the 2010 philippine elections, where the youth is encouraged to be involved in leading and exercising good governance as a way to create meaningful changes needed by the country. As result of this 1st summit, wider unity among young people created the youth agenda for the 2010 elections, solidarity was built through continuous links and networking, youth organizations and networks were established and most of the delegates continued to conduct and support campaigns related to their concerns. After two years, youth delegates from Northern Luzon will once again gather to review the realization of their visions in the First Think Change event in 2010. Think Change 2 intends to raise the capacity and the appreciation of the youth on their role as change makers and concretize their aspirations and ideas. Think Change 2 aspires to advance the capacities of the youth by discussing concerns and strategies and making concrete actions in the promotion of a clean, peaceful and honest elections as a preparation to the 2013 Philippine Elections. There are two (2) important components of Think Change 2. The first is the 2nd Northern Luzon Youth Summit which will happen on the first day of the event. The summit will gather around youth all over Northern Luzon to participate in discussions on issues pertinent to the youth such as the environment, education, human rights and good governance. Delegates will be divided into workshop groups for them to have space for their ideas and voices heard. At the end of the summit, a youth agenda on these pertinent issues will be formed and submitted to concerned agencies and political candidates for the 2013 Philippine Elections. This will be followed by a parade and concert at Peoples Park. The second component is the Cordillera Youth Caucus which will happen on the second day of Think Change 2. This will gather around indigenous youth from the 6 provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Baguio City. This aims to gather and document the particular issues of the indigenous youth and come up with concrete solutions. At the same time, updates and plans on the filed petition letter to President Benigno Aquino III and the Congress by the Cordilleran Youth on budget cut to education and the proposed 300% increase in tuition fee in the State Universities and Colleges of CAR will be discussed. Likewise, there will also be a discussion and planning on the updates and the continuing vilification of students and youth in CAR.

The Participants

Delegates of Think Change 2 during the opening ceremonies last January 26. Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Members of the Mt. Province Youth Association rendering a cultural presentation. Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Delegates listening to the keynote address given by Einstein Recedes of Kabataan Partylist. Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Delegates tackling problems, issues and recommendations in the human rights workshop. Photo by Marifel Macalanda

Delegates from Ilocos and La Union rendering their cultural performance. Photo by Marifel Macalanda

Members of Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera leading the unity dance for the creation of the Youth Agenda. Photo by: Hazel Joy Altamarino

Delegates of Think Change 2 during the Unity March at Bonifacio Road, Baguio City. Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Coming from the unity parade, the delegates settled at Malcolm for the free concert. Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Masters of ceremonies Marvin Palansigui and Katrin Hazel Hipona at the Kabataan Partylist photo booth. Photo by Paola Espiritu

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The Summit Proper

Summit delegates pose to junk the Cybercrime Prevention Act Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Delegates from La Union during the Unity March Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson of Barangay South Central gives the welcome remarks. Photo by Emmanuel Bonn Taguba

Einstein Recedes of Kabataan Partylist gives a presentation on the education situation Photo by Marifel Macalanda

Santos Mero, spokesperson of Amianan Salakniban presents the environmental threats in Cagayan Photo by Marifel Macalanda

Ruel Caricativo, public information officer of CHRA before his human rights presentation Photo by: Marifel Macalanda

Regional Caucus- Delegates from Baguio reporting on issues of the youth in the city Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

Delegates from Ifugao answers the question on political villification in IFSU Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

DKK Chairperson Maty Camfili facilitating questions during the Cordillera Youth Caucus Photo by Hazel Joy Altamarino

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North Luzon Youth Forge Unity for FREEEDOM


(Fight for Education, Employment, Environment and Democratic Rights)

Pictures of the opening ceremonies of Think Change 2: The North Luzon Youth Summit Photos by Hazel Joy Altamarino

BAGUIO CITY- Almost 200 delegates from all over North Luzon gathered last January 26-27, 2013 for Think Change 2: The North Luzon pledged to use their right to vote for change and social transformation. Think Change 2 gathered different youth organizations from the regions of Cordillera, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley to build solidarity within them and discuss issues being faced by the sector in different areas. Participants include different student councils, campus publications, student organizations, geographical organizations, student political parties, and community based organizations. Keynote: the condition of the youth is a condition for dissent Einstein Recedes of Kabataan Partylist delivered the keynote address where he elaborated on the various issues of the youth from their schools, to their communities and

the workplace. As the perennial problem faced by the students in schools, Recedes emphasized the yearly escalating tuition rates and miscellaneous fee increases, along with the redundant fees. The rate of unemployment and its aggravation by the lack of jobs created that is suitable to the needs of the country also got attention in the keynote speech. Also, he added violations of the civil and political rights committed to the youth, aside from violations of their right to education and decent employment. A highlight of this is the continuing political vilification of progressive youth organizations that justly advances the interests of the sector in their different areas of life. Recedes booming conclusion includes the exhortation that given these existing conditions that are meant to stifle the energies of the youth, the youth has no better option than to keep on acting together and continue expanding their ranks in

order to register a louder voice of dissent. In this venture, the youth should bear in mind the tripartite modes of engagement that they should follow as a more effective way of confronting their issues: arousing, organizing and mobilizing. After that Einstein Recedes, secretary general of Kabataan Partylist gave words of inspiration to the Northern Luzon youth. He gave importance to the role of the youth in the 2013 elections. He challenged the participants to start making change by voting for people who has a pro-youth, pro-people platform and has been proven in public service. According to Recedes, the youth has the responsibility to vote, guard the vote by volunteering as poll watchers, and lead in the larger majority in terms of scrutinizing political candidates. Meron tayong magagawa, kung tayo ay sama-samang kikilos na magsusulong ng pagbabagong panlipunan, says Recedes.

Invoking and at the same time recasting Rizals hackneyed proposition on the youth as the hope of the nation, Recedes ended his speech with a stirring recommendation: kabataan, wag nang hintayin ang kinabukasan, maging pag-asa ng bayan, ngayon! Different workshops and the building of the North Luzon Agenda In the afternoon session of the summits first day, the participants were divided into three workshop groups according to three identified issues: education, human rights and environment. The workshop groups initiated a sharing of experiences among the delegates in order to specify the issues of the youth in specific communities and ultimately to map systematic steps that can be taken to respond to the issues rose. As the three groups gathered back together, they crafted what will later be called as the North Luzon

Youth Agenda which is comprised of the particular demands of the youth to the candidates for the midterm elections. As a major bloc in the population of the society, the youth agenda is underlined by the framework that the issues of the youth, crafted by the members, should be a priority among the candidates. The youth should make use of their comprising more than half of the registered voters in order to call attention to their demands. As these demands were articulated after the thorough discussions and sharing of actual experiences of the delegates in the Summit, there is nothing but the collective interest of the youth hankering for a better nation and a better future. Highlighting the North Luzon Youth agenda is the assertion of the right to education which includes the scrapping of the 300% ladderized tuition fee increase in the Cordillera State Universities and Colleges. This is extended as a critique of the governments moves to commercialize education as manifested by the decreasing

state subsidy and its encouragement of SUCs to be self-sufficient and to welcome income-generating projects and private tie-ups. Also, the right to decent employment is raised. This includes the creation of jobs that square with the abilities and educational attainment of the youth and more vitally, jobs that attune with the conditions and the needs of the country. Implicitly lambasted is the burgeoning of labor migration which is only a result of the lack of jobs and the inhumane pay of workers in the country. The defense of human rights, including the right to a safe and healthful environment also got into the list of concerns of the youth. The vilification of legitimate youth organizations, the militarization of campuses and communities, the cutting of trees in Luneta Hill to give way to a parking space all of these were condemned by the North Luzon youth and which they pledge to continue acting against. Bringing back the 70s and the challenges ahead The first day was culmi-

nated with a unity parade along Session Road and the City Market with the participating organizations bringing on their banners and their funky 70s attire. In fostering the spirit of the First Quarter Storm during the Marcos regime, the 70s theme was upheld to showcase the youths continuing commitment to be involved towards the betterment of the society. Several bands and cultural groups such as Salidummay, Kultura and Maxim performed along with the delegates from each province. In the last day of the Summit, the delegates were grouped according to their province and then shared the specific issues in their communities. The entire Summit was capped by the formation of the alliance called FREEDOM (Fight for our Right to Education, Employment, Environment and Democratic Rights) which will serve as the coordinating body among the provinces and the various organizations as the collaborate in resolving all the issues brought up in the two-day activity. The individuals and member

organizations of the alliance are also expected to broaden the network by propagating its ideals and garnering more members. In conclusion, the 2013 Think Change North Luzon Youth Summit proved to be a success with the delegates it was able to convene in order to discuss the pressing issues the Northern Luzon youth faces and more importantly, set out concrete plans of actions as a response to these issues. This only evinces that todays youth remain adamant in thinking about change and are even more strong-minded in acting specifically to foster every possible kind of change in their respective communities.

From left to right: 1)Open forum with the panel presentors 2)Break time during the youth summit 3)Delegates from La Union at the concert Photos by: Hazel Joy Altamarino Marifel Macalanda

From left to right: Delegates of the youth summit during the education and environmental workshop. Photos by Marifel Macalanda

We are at a situation where many are still hungry, rights are violated, voices are not heard by the few ruling elite classes of our society. Politics is still in the hands of the few ruling elite, political dynasties and families. These are the continuing challenges that need to be addressed. KATRIBU believes in the

capacity, strength and leadership of the Filipino youth. As we have said, the youth has done their significant roles through different forms. By this time, we can once more prove to history that we, the youth, can lead our ranks to achieve our goal for politics of change as a way to achieve a just

society. Let us strive for clean, honest and violent-free elections. Together with KATRIBU Indigenous Peoples Partylist, let us push forth our common aspirations for politics of change. Let us be one in changing this society into a better place for every Filipino. To everyone, thank you

very much for this opportunity for KATRIBU to be with you and again congratulations in conducting this significant event. Agbiag dagiti kabataan! Agbiag ti KATRIBU!

The Organizers would like to thank the following:


HON. PETER FIANZA KATRIBU INDIGENOUS PEOCommittee on Education, Cul- PLES PARTYLIST ture and Historical Research Baguio City AMIANAN SALAKNIBAN North Luzon Network for HuHON. KARMINN CHERYL man Rights DAYTEC-YANGOT Baguio City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President CORDILLERA HUMAN RIGHTS ALLIANCE- KARAPATAN HONORABLE MAURICIO Baguio City DOMOGAN Mayor LASER MARKETING Baguio City General Luna Road Baguio City PHILIPPINE TASK FORCE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IGOLOT FOOD SERVICES Baguio City ROBERT OCAMPO Convenor, V-MEN Metro Baguio ARTHUR ALLAD-IW National Union of Journalists of the Philippines BaguioBenguet

Major Sponsors: RDC-KADUAMI Inc. Bengao, Baguio City CORDILLERA PEOPLES ALLIANCE #55 Middle Ferguson Road, Baguio City

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Solidarity Messages
challenge to participate in the struggle for indigenous peoples rights to ancestral land and selfdetermination towards the attainment of food sovereignity and genuine development in our communities. We also encourage you to join us in our advocacy to scrap the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and other laws that threaten indigenous peoples food security. May we be united in forwarding policy recommendations such as the Peoples Mining Bill and other bills that uphold indigenous peoples rights. The TFIP wishes you success in this activity and in your future endeavors. Long live the indigenous youth and all the youth of Northern Luzon! KATRIBU INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PARTYLIST MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY Kakabsat, pada nga agtutubo, to all the delegates, khawis ay akew tako am-in. To everyone gathered here today, especially the organizers, KATRIBU
From left to right: 1)Delegates of the summit during the plenary 2)Registration table of the youth summit 3) Delegates during a performance at the concert

salutes you for conducting this meaningful and timely occasion. Thank you for inviting us in your important activity. It is our pleasure to be with you today. In behalf of the members, officers and chapters of KATRIBU, we extend our solidarity with you in this special occasion. My fellow youth, the theme: Youth: Advance and Uphold our Role in the Politics of Change for Social Transformation is timely and relevant as the national midterm election is approaching. The youth played very significant role in the society. We can change things, we can lead our community and even the country, we the youth can make changes in our society. That is what we call youth empowerment. In our history, the youth played important role in the many struggles for societal change, for the recognition and assertion of student and peoples welfare and even for liberation. To mention some, the first quarter storm was

among the successful events led by the youth during the dark era of our country during Martial Law. Youth from all walks of life bravely fought for the countrys democracy. In the Cordillera Region, the National Minority Youth Sector led big mobilizations against the bastardization and commercialization of Cordillera Indigenous culture portrayed through the grand canao-showcasing the Igorot culture in Baguio City for tourism. Their peaceful protest in the first week of March was violently dispersed by the police. After collectively lobbying the City Council, the City Government, through the SK-Federation passed a resolution in 1993 adopting March 1 to 5 as the Kaigorotan Youth Week. Since then, Kaigorotan Youth Week is being celebrated by the Igorot youth up to this day in commemoration of the collective action of the youth in the protection of their rights, culture and

dignity. The successful struggle against the World Bank funded Chico dam project was also participated by the youth of Kalinga and Mt. Province. The youth has been also instrumental in fighting against the discrimination among the Cordillera Indigenous Peoples through education and assertion of their rights as Indigenous Peoples. The youth has already proven their capacity, leadership and power in many significant events and occasions. The youth has fulfilled in many ways and people are oppressed the words of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal that the youth are the hope of the Mother land. The youth has relieved in many ways the legacy of Andres Bonifacio, hero and martyr of the 1986 Philippine revolution. Kakabsat, although we have been historically part of the many struggles for change, we continue to face great challenges as we are still struggling for genuine national freedom and democracy.

Photos by: Marifel Macalanda and Hazel Joy Altamarino

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NORTH LUZON YOUTH AGENDA Agenda ng Kabataan sa Eleksyon 2013

Santos Mero, spokesperon of Amianan Salakniban presents the environmental situation of North Luzon. Photo by Kabataan Partylist-Ilocos

Kami, mga kalahok sa Think Change for 2013: 2nd North Luzon Youth Summit, ay nagkakaisa para buuin ang North Luzon Youth Agenda. Ang North Luzon Youth Agenda ay naglalaman ng aming mga panawagan kaugnay ng aming mga hinaing para sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan, hindi lamang para sa aming mga kabataan, kundi maging sa ating lipunan. Isang layunin ng North Luzon Youth Agenda ay ang magsilbi itong batayan ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, mga ahensya ng gobyerno at iba pang grupo sa antas-lokal at antas-pambansa sa mga ipapatupad nilang programa at polisiya na tutugon sa tunay na mga pangangailangan ng kabataan sa North Luzon. Ito ay ihahapag namin sa mga indibidwal at partido na naghahangad na maging opisyal ng gobyerno. Ang kanilang tugon ang magiging batayan ng aming boto at suporta sa darating na halalan. Ang North Luzon Youth Agenda ay aming isusulong hangang sa makamit ang mga nilalaman nito.

1. Libre at De-kalidad na Edukasyon Naniniwala kaming ang edukasyon ay karapatan ng bawat indibidwal. Ang pag-unlad ng bayan ay nakasalalay sa edukasyong tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan at natatamasa nila. Tutol kami sa mga hakbang na isapribatisa ang mga pampublikong pamantasan kagaya na lamang ng planong Amalgamation of State Universities and Colleges o ang gawing iisa na lamang ang mga regional universities na may satellite campuses sa mga probinsya. Kinokondena namin ang panukalang pagpapatupad ng 300% tuition increase sa mga state universities sa Cordillera sa loob ng 7 taon mula 2012-2019. Nananawagan kami sa mga eskwelahang nagpatupad ng pagtaas sa balangkas ng programang ito na ibalik sa mga estudyante ang sobrang matrikulang siningil. Tinututulan din namin ang tuluy-tuloy na pagtaas ng matrikula at iba

pang bayarin, sa publiko man o pribadong paaralan sa buong North Luzon. Kinokondena namin ang patuloy na pagsulpot ng mga exorbitant fees at iba pang hindi maipaliwanag na bayarin sa mga paaralan. Hinihikayat namin ang mga miyembro ng Kongreso na labanan ang pagkaltas sa badyet sa edukasyon. Kasabay ng panawagan sa mas mataas na badyet sa edukasyon ay ang panawagan namin para sa mas mataas na sweldo ng mga guro at kawani ng mga paaralan. Nananawagan din kami sa Kongreso para sa mabilisang pagpapasa at pag-apruba ng moratorium para pigilan ang mga pagtaas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin. Tutol kami sa disenyo ng edukasyon na naglalako sa amin bilang mga low wage earners sa ibang bansa at maging sa sariling bansa. Ito ay ang mga programa tulad ng K+12, vocational courses at iba pang mga kurso sa kolehiyo na naka-disenyo na magsilbi sa ibang bansa. 2. Serbisyong Pangkalusugan

Naniniwala kaming ang serbisyong pangkalusugan ay dapat libre, de kalidad at abot-kaya ng bawat indibidwal. Tutol kami sa hakbang na isapribatisa ang 26 na ospital sa buong bansa kabilang na ang Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) at ng Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC). Ang mga ospital na ito ang pangunahing tumutugon sa pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng mga katutubo at ng mamamayang mula sa malalayong baryo at lugar sa Northern Luzon. Naniniwala kami na hindi ang pagsasa-pribatisa sa mga pampublikong ospital ang sagot para sa mas mahusay na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Isang solusyon para matugunan ang mas maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan ay ang paglalaan dito ng gobyerno ng mas mataas na subsidyo. Ang likas na yaman ay hindi dapat inaabuso at ginagamit para lamang sa interes ng iilan. Naniniwala kaming ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan

North Luzon Youth Agenda


part 2 ng Agenda ng Kabataan sa Eleksyon 2013
ay isang susi sa maunlad na kinabukasan para sa lahat. Sa pangkabuuan, ang Northern Luzon ay mayaman sa likas na yaman. Matatagpuan dito ang matatayog na kabundukan at ilang malalaking ilog ng Kordilyera at karagatan naman ng Ilokos at Cagayan. Ngunit ang natitirang kagandahan at likas na yaman ng NL ay nangangambang tuluyang masira dahil sa ibat ibang mga mapanirang proyekto tulad ng pagmimina ng malalaking kumpanya. Tutol kami sa malawakan at mapanirang pagmimina sa ating mga kabundukan at karagatan. Batay sa mga testimonya ng mga residenteng apektado ng pagmimina, ang malawak na pagmimina ay mayroong malaking epekto sa kanilang kabuhayan, tirahan, buhay at kultura. Kinokondena din namin ang pagputol ng mga puno sa SM na dekadang inalagaan ng mga katutubo sa Baguio. Ito ay lantarang paglapastangan ng mga malalaking kumpanya sa kalikasan para lamang sa dagdag na tubo. Ang mabilis na pagkasira ng kalikasan ay nagdudulot ng unti-unting pagkawala sa mayamang kultura ng mga katutubo sa Northern Luzon. Bilang tagapagmana, ang mga kabataan ang lubos na maaapektuhan ng ganitong negatibong sitwasyon. Sa halip na pagmimina, dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng gobyerno ang pagpapaunlad sa ating primaryang industriya, ang agrikultura. Isusulong namin ang karapatan ng mga katutubo para sa sariling pagpapasya. Nakapaloob dito ang pagrespeto sa kanilang kakayanang magpasya para sa lupang ninuno (ancestral domain), paggalang sa kanilang kultura at ikinabubuhay. 4. Pagtataguyod ng Dignidad ng Tao Maitataguyod lamang ang dignidad ng tao sa pamamagitan ng pagkilala sa malayang pagsasabuhay ng mga karapatang pantao. Nararapat lamang na irespeto ang karapatan ng bawat indibidwal. Kasama rito ang pangangalaga sa karapatan ng mga mamamayan na magpahayag at maggiit ng ibat ibang lehitimong kahilingan. Kinokondena namin ang paniniktik at patuloy na red-tagging at red-baiting sa mga progresibong kabataan at organisasyon sa paaralan at komunidad. Ang hangad lamang ng mga kabataan ay maipahayag ang kanilang saloobin sa mga usaping nangyayari sa kanilang kapaligiran at mabigyan ito ng karampatang aksyon. Nanawagan kami sa agarang pagtigil ng mga proyekto, kung saan kasama ang AFP, sa porma ng mga counter-insurgency seminars and forums sa mga eskwelahan kung saan nagsisilbi itong daan sa pananakot, red-tagging at red-baiting sa mga kabataan at guro. Samantalang kaakibat ng pagpasok ng mga naglalakihang mapanirang proyekto sa North Luzon ay ang matitinding paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa mga residente. Ang mga kalagayang ito ang naglalagay sa mga kabataan at mamamayan ng NL sa sitwasyong sila ay patuloy na nagiging biktima ng pananakot, panunulsol, red tagging, pagdukot, pwersadong pagkawala at pagpatay. Nananawagan kami sa mabilisang pagpapa-alis ng mga sundalo sa mga komunidad kung saan ginagawang kampo ang mga kabahayan, eskwelahan, at barangay hall. Ang kanilang pananatili sa mga komunidad ay nagreresulta sa mga paglabag gaya ng panggagahasa sa menor de edad, pambubugbog, at pananakot sa mga residente. Nanawagan kami na ipatupad ang LFS-Sotto Accord na nagbabawal sa mga militar na pumasok, magkampo at kumilos sa loob ng mga institusyong pangakademiko. 5. Pangangailangang Pangekonomiya Karapatan ng bawat indibidwal ang mabuhay nang matiwasay ng may maayos ang katayuan. Nararapat lamang na ang bawat isa ay may disenteng trabaho na makabubuhay sa kanyang pamilya. Nararapat ding tugunan ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka sa sariling lupa. Kinokondena namin ang pagiging deregulated ng produktong langis na siyang nagtutulak sa mga kumpanya ng langis na magtaas ng presyo ng kahit walang pahintulot ang gobyerno. Sinusuportahan din namin ang panawagan ng mga manggagawa para sa sapat

Summit workshops on Human Rights and Environment Photos by: Marifel Macalanda

Solidarity Messages
From left to right: 1)Delegates watching the video message of Cong. Teddy Casino 2)Sam Anongos of Katribu Partylist giving a statement of solidarity 3) Staff of RDC-KADUMI during the summit Photos by Marifel Macalanda

Congressman Teddy Casio of Bayan Muna Partylist expressed his support to the almost 200 participants of Think Change 2: North Luzon Youth Summit last January 26 & 27 at Teachers Camp, Baguio City. In a solidarity message shown to the participants during the first day of the Summit, Casio congratulated all the organizers and participants of the Summit for conducting the meaningful and timely event. Casio then recollected his past experiences as the previous National President of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines when he also joined mobilizations and organized forums and discussions that convened the ranks of the youth in order to collectively talk about the issues they confront. The Bayan Muna solon also affirmed the enormous role of the youth in the upcoming elections not only because they comprise more

than 50% of the number of registered voters but also because he believes that the youth has the greatest potential to act in promoting honest elections. He elaborated this and said that the youth should be involved in the affairs in their society not only during election time and through voting. He encouraged the youth to explore the various means such as conducting forums and seminars on current issues, organizing communities, holding arts and literacy trainings and workshops among others, in order to contribute to the improvement of the peoples condition. TFIP STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY The Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples Rights (TFIP) expresses its congratulations to the organizers and participants of the Second North Luzon Youth Summit. It is indeed timely to hold ac-

tivities such as this. In a few months time, elections will once again be held in the country. We need to raise awareness on the urgent issues of the people that we presently confront. We are heartened by the significant participation of indigenous youth in this activity. We hope that this summit will bring to the fore indigenous peoples issues, especially in the formulation of the youth agenda that will be presented to candidates of the upcoming elections and the newly elected officials. The indigenous peoples in the country are suffering from worsening food insecurity due to development aggression and militarization. In the proliferation of destructive projects in indigenous communities such as mining, dams and plantations, the people are robbed off their rights to ancestral land, which is their main source of food and livelihood. At the same

time, they often fall victim to human rights violations whenever they assert their rights. This situation can be seen for instance in Mankayan, Benguet where Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company is aggressively expanding its operations. The tragic incident where a woman leader opposing mining was killed in Nueva Vizcaya last December also shows what may happen when indigenous peoples fight for their rights. As the title of your event Think Change 2 suggests: we are one in the belief that the youth are the real catalysts of change. Given the situation of present day society, it is a good thing to have youth who are united and committed in effecting real change. For the indigenous youth participants in this activity, may you rise up to the challenge to participate in the struggle for indigenous youth participants in this activity, may you rise up to the

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keep silent and be passive instead of filling complaints to the authoroties B. Actions and Resolutions on what the youth can do Conduct wide-spread education and training on the rights of the youth File letter of complaint to the friendly school administrations, LGUs and NGOs and ask their support to protect the students and youth. There was a good experience in one State College in CAR wherein the perpetrators of harassment, fellow student leaders, were suspended after the students who were harassed filed the wider public and get their support on the issues of the youth Conduct petition signing to stop the red tagging, political vilification and other forms of human rights violations to the students/youth Conduct presscon and media interviews to

inform the wider public and get their support on the issues of the youth Support and elect political candidates of Philippine 2013 elections who will support the campaign and make concrete actions against human rights violations On Environment A. Issues Illegal logging Destructive, large scale mining Dams and other Energy projects Unsystematic Waste Management Cutting of trees as part of SM expansion Magnetite mining Big fishing vessels catching small fishes Air Pollution Indigenous agricultural calendar is not followed due to Climate change that affect the production of crops B. Community (LGU, Church, NGOs) efforts in addressing these issues Some NGOs found mitigating measures to cope up with climate change, and have done researches to address

the issue of giant earthworms in Ifugao Even though some LGU officers, and Peoples organization, are against mining and projects, they cant do anything since it was approved by national government. People have formed broad alliances and networks to oppose these destructive projects LGUs in partnerships with NGOs have conducted Symposia, and forums to address these issues C. Efforts of other active youth organizations Youth and their youth organizations have been part of the broad networks that oppose destructive projects and help in the campaigns and call for a healthy environment Spearheaded activities like educational discussions, symposia, and forums to address these issues Initiate tree planting activities Some youth organizations staged

theatres and dramas depicting the situation of the environment, conducted Basic mass integrations to learn more about the issues of the communities D. What can youth do to address their issues? Strengthen their organizations, networks and movements to take a stand against destructive projects Support the campaign advocacy Youth Advocacy for the Defense of our environment and culture (YtaDEC) and Fight for our Rights to Education, Employment, Environment and Democratic Rights (FREEEDOM) campaign/ network E. Characteristics of Leaders we should vote for the on the Philippine2013 Elections Support the campaign for a healthy environment and to save mother earth Environmentalist Track record against destructive projects

From left to right : 1) Delegates dancing at the concert 2) Discussion at the human rights workshop 3)Finela Mejia of NUSP gives the rationale of youth summit Photos from the Cordillera Youth Center

10

North Luzon Youth Agenda


part 3 ng Agenda ng Kabataan sa Eleksyon 2013
na serbisyo, seguridad sa trabaho at panawagang P125 wage increase across the board. Sinusuportahan namin ang P128 kada kilong panawagan ng mga magsasaka ng tabako. Pagbasura sa liberalisyon sa agrikultura. Naniniwala kami na para makaagapay ang mga mamamayan sa taas ng presyo ng bilihin ay nararapat lamang na mabigyan sila ng kakayanang bumili sa pamamagitan ng pagtaas ng kanilang sweldo at ng presyo ng kanilang produktong pang-agrikultura. Ipaglalaban namin ang karapatan na magkaroon ng disente at maayos na trabaho para sa mga kabataan sa komunidad, mga bagong gradweyt, at mga working students. Nananawagan kami sa gobyerno na suportahan ang pagtatayo ng isang makabayang industriya para sa mas maunlad na ekonomiya. Sa pangkalahatan, hinihiling naming pakinggan ang boses ng mga kabataan. Bigyan kami ng sapat at angkop na espasyo upang maipahayag namin ang aming mga demokratikong hinaing, interes at makatarungang panawagan ng walang takot at pag-aalangan. Kaakibat nito ay ang pagsuporta sa mga lehitimong organisasyon ng mga kabataan at mga aktibidad at inisyatiba nila. Nananawagan kami sa kasalukuyang mga opisyales at sa mga tatakbong kandidato sa darating na eleksyon sa antas nasyunal, probinsyal at lokal na suportahan itong nabuong Northern Luzon Youth Agenda noong 2nd Northern Luzon Youth Summit. Ang tindig ng mga tatakbong kandidato sa darating na eleksyon, sa mga kahilingan at panawagang nabanggit ang siyang magiging batayan ng aming pagboto at pagsuporta. Ang 2nd Northern Luzon Youth Agendang ito ay amin ding ihahapag sa mga paaralan, komunidad at mga kinauukulang institusyon at ahensya. Pinatibay ang dokumento ng ito ngayong ika-26 ng Enero, 2013 sa Quirino Hall, Baguio City. National Union of Students of the Philippines College Editors Guild of the Philippines Anakbayan Kabataan Partylist Cordillera Youth Center Young Defenders- Network for Human Rights Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera Sangguniang Kabataan Federation- Baguio City Sangguniang KabataanBarangay South Central Aurora Hill Alliance of Concerned Students- UP Baguio Tanghalang Bayan ng Kabataan sa Baguio Integrated Students in Psychology (YSIP) Outcrop, University of the Philippines-Baguio Alternative, University of the Cordilleras CA Pride, Benguet State University College of Agriculture Supreme Student Government, University of Baguio School Assembly, School of Accountancy and Business Management, Saint Louis University Progressive Igorots for Social Action (PIGSA) BIBAK Katribu Youth PINATUD-Anakbayan Danum Cultural Group Billeg ken Urnos ti Agtutubo y Benguet (BUDAY) Supreme Student Council, Abra State Institute of Science and Technology Mt. Province Youth Alliance- Anakbayan College of Nursing, Mt. Province State Polytechnic College League of Progressive Students- MPSPC Sigma Kappa Pi Fraternity Sigma Delta Pi Sorority Kalinga Students Association- MPSPC Supreme Student Council, Kalinga Apayao State College Supreme Student Council, Cordillera A+ Computer College Samahan ng Mag-aaral sa Kalinga (SAMAKA), Ifugao State University Supreme Student Council, Upland Farm, Ifugao State University

Workshop Results:
(From left to right) Workshops on education, and human rights Photos by Marifel Macalanda

Education, Environment, Human Rights

EDUCATION WORKSHOP A. Issues Almost yearly increase in tuition fee especially in private schools and automatic bracketting of P1,000/unit in UP Baguio Staggard 300% increase of tuition fee in the Cordillera Administrative Region State Universities and Colleges Almost yearly increase of miscellaneous fees Long time existing fees, new and redundant fees (Land, Infrastructure, Maintenance and Management Fee LIMAD Fee, penalties, charge of electronic gadgets, additional fees being collected before the final exams, etc.) No permit no exam policy Lack of good facilities (books, clean CR, internet access, classroom ventilation and lighting, etc.) Problem in school management (bureacracy, indecisiveness of school

officials on matters concerning their school, some non-academic personnel are not doing their job and manipulation of the school administration on school funds and relation with the students) Unjust and bureacratic policies in the recognition of student organizations, use of facilities, curfew inside the school, and other student-related activities Most of the student councils (SC) and student publications (Pub) are being controlled by the school administration while the SC and Pub members are not asserting their rights. They are not functioning as the voice for the students, so most of the student issues are not lobbied to the administration and most of their funds, which came from the students, are used by the school administration or are

not used for student services No or lack of democratic and open consultations between the school administration and the students on policies affecting the students and faculty B. Community (LGU, Church, NGOs) efforts in addressing these issues Most of the participants coming from the private school saw no effort or help coming from the Local Government Units There are some scholarships from the LGU, NGOs and other Partylist groups Most of the Sangguniang Kabataan in CAR are not functioning and generally they have no or lack of effort in addressing the youth issues in their localities C. Efforts of other active youth organizations Some student

publications, those who are not afraid of their school administration, publish articles and conduct seminars on student issues Other student or youth organizations staged theaters depicting the plights of the youth, conduct focus group discussions, fora, join and support signature campaigns relating to their concerns and outreach program Campaign on scrapping of the 300% inrease and call for a higher state subsidy as an alternative and the moratorium of tuition fee and other fee increases According to the participants, these efforts are still not enough especially that most of these activities are conducted in only some schools. The students and their organizations are willing to conduct activities but they are not allowed by the school administration.

Even among the out-of-school youth, appropriate avenues are not offered to them by their LGUs and even communities. Most of the participants said that their complaints are not being heard by their school and government officials. There are some staff of the LGUs in the provinces that reject the letter of concern coming from the youth. D. What can the youth do to address their issues Request for a dialogue with the school administration. If possible, there should be an intervention of their LGUs at least as mediators Explore from the governors and congressmen for their PDAF to be use for scholarships Challenge the student councils, student publications and SKs for them to take a stand on the student/youth issues and make clear

plans in addressing the concerns of their constituents Strengthen the unities among the students and youth Join active student/ youth organizations that can advance the student/youth issues Support Fight for our Rights to Education, Employment, environment and Democratic Rights (FREEDOM) campaign/ network E.Characteristics of leaders we should vote for on Philippine 2013 Elections Can provide educational assistance to deserving youth Support the youth on their demands to stop the 300% increase, yearly tuition fee and other fee increases Can fullfil their promise, have realistic and doable programs Pro-youth Nationalist Open-minded and approachable

Someone who is not in the current administration or new but deserving leaders HUMAN RIGHTS WORKSHOP A. Issues There are provinces in CAR considered as Hot Spot, especially during election period, where there are cases of harassment and vote buying accompanied by threat (money inserted in guns, people have no right to choose their candidates) Student and youth leaders, including members of progressive organizations, are being harassed both by elements of the AFP, school administrations and even by some faculty or advisers of student councils and student publications Red tagging and vilification of youth organizations as fronts of NPA, notorious activists, communists, etc. Scholars of progressive

partylists such as Kabataan Partylist are being harassed and under surveillance by elements of AFP through their intelligence network As results of the harassment, there are those who suffered from fear, no focus in their education, loss of confidence in the state to protect them, among others Violations of Campus Press Freedom in most schools in Northern Luzon. Along with the student councils, they are controlled by the school administration No avenues are provided by the LGUs, school and some occassions their communities for the students and youth to express their thoughts and concerns If there are young people who speak-out their minds, they are being harassed and branded as communist or NPA supporters so some of them chose to

From left to right: 1)Cielo Marie Bayson of Kabataan Partylist presenting the North Luzon Youth Agenda 2) Delegates approving the youth agenda 3)DKK members leading the Unity March Photo by: Hazel Joy Altamarino

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