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Keep the Change: Youth Policy Lab organized its first and largest hybrid youth forum, the Changekeepers Academy Assembly in Bocobo Hall, UP Law Center, University of the Philippines Diliman and via Zoom, from 27-28 January 2024 to facilitate youth-led change in resolving challenges in active mobility and public transport across the Philippines.
The Changekeepers Academy supported and equipped Filipino youth with the necessary skills to tackle active mobility and public transport issues in their respective areas across the two days. An esteemed speaker lineup from the development, government sector, and civil society joined to provide insights to the participants on crucial elements concerning active mobility and public transportation. Together with panel sessions to provide multidisciplinary discussions of challenges, workshops were done to deliver technical, hands-on learning experiences about instituting change through policy-making.
A stellar lineup of experts, officials, and professionals from Oxfam International, Asia Centre, officials from the Philippines national government and Local Government Units (LGUs), and the youth, academe, government, civil society, and the development sector attended to impart high-level lectures and panel discussions to the attendees.
Mr. Gerald John C. Guillermo, Founder of Keep the Change: Youth Policy Lab and Oxfam Young Leader Fellow, shared the Lab and the Academy’s importance in accelerating youth-led change for a better nation. Assistant Dean Solomon Lumba of the University of the Philippines College of Law supported the event and gave his opening remarks to empower the delegates as future leaders in the country. The participants also heard recorded messages from Mr. Mustafa Talpur, Regional Head of Advocacy and Campaign of Oxfam International and Ms. Kartini Sunityo, Programme Manager of Asia Center. Following them were the Oxfam Young Leader Fellows from across Asia, including Elle Bartolome, Wajid Zahid, Soumya Mishra, Sanjana Chettri, and Ricardo Araujo, sharing their journeys and experiences. Together, they illuminate the resilience, innovation, and interconnectedness inherent in youth-led initiatives across the region. The delegates were also able to learn and were inspired as they navigated to pursue their dream in the policy and advocacy sector.
The next session was Policy and Law, where the delegates were immersed in the intricacies of policy-making alongside esteemed speaker Atty. Dave Anastacio, Senior Legislative Officer from the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros of the Senate of the Philippines, Mr. Shubert Ciencia, ASEAN Engagement Coordinator from Oxfam International, and Ms. Zyza Nadine Suzara, Executive Director from Institute for Leadership, Empowerment, and Democracy (iLEAD). From exploring avenues for citizen engagement to envisioning the pivotal role of youth in shaping policies, this discussion promises to enlighten and empower.
Prof. Czarina Medina-Guce, Ph.D. (cand.) from the Development Studies Program of the Ateneo de Manila University delivered her presentation regarding social accountability in policymaking soon afterward, underlining the importance of carrying agency and responsibility when creating societal changes to ensure democratic virtues are maintained.
The delegates further delve into the pressing issues of active mobility and public transportation in Metro Manila and their localities. Mr. Alberto H. Kimpo, Assistant City Administrator for Administration, Quezon City Government, Mr. William Mariano, Head of Mobility Office, City Government of Taguig, Mr. Jayson M. Villeza, Member of Move as One Coalition, and Mr. Robert Siy, Advocate for Sustainable Mobility and Transport Economist, shed light on policy advocacy strategies, technology’s role in enhancing transportation, and collaborative approaches between government and civil society.
Day two started with engaging workshop sessions facilitated by Mr. Guillermo and Mr. Robert Sanders, Policy Associate from iLEAD who guided participants through the end-to-end process of crafting impactful policy recommendations and engagement strategies.
These workshops gave attendees practical tools and insights, fostering a hands-on approach to civic engagement and policy advocacy. From problem identification to solution proposal and presentation to policymakers, participants were empowered to become effective agents of change in their respective spheres of influence.
The Assembly concluded with the founder, Mr. Guillermo, expressing gratitude to the esteemed speakers, volunteers, and participants for their contributions to the flagship event. He inspired delegates to be catalysts for change in the country and communities, emphasizing the importance of the Changekeepers Academy Assembly as a space for innovation and meaningful civic engagements. He urged attendees to turn hopes into reality and pave the way for a “brighter, fairer, and more compassionate future for everyone, especially the marginalized and underprivileged.”
The Assembly attracted over 70 participants, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds nationwide, both physically and virtually. Attendees spanned various stages of life and career, ranging from university students to seasoned professionals representing multiple sectors.
Participants generously exchanged insights and addressed key issues surrounding the overarching themes throughout the event. Culminating the Academy was the formulation of a “Youth Declaration on Active Mobility and Public Transport,” spotlighting persistent mobility and transportation challenges and urging policymakers to prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability in shaping the country’s urban landscapes and transportation systems. In addition, the policy recommendations will be revised and improved, and they will be shared with the Declaration with local and national policymakers and other stakeholders to share the innovative policy solutions crafted by the Filipino youth, for the benefit of the Filipino society.
Written by Gerald John C. Guillermo, Arianne Joy Fabregas, and Glyre Treasure Faeldonia. Arianne is the Programs Lead, and Glyre is the Research Lead of Keep the Change: Youth Policy Lab. This youth initiative empowers Filipino youth and other stakeholders to understand and participate in the Philippine policy environment and develop innovative solutions to complex public issues. The Lab was formed under Gerald John’s Oxfam in Asia’s Young Leaders Program 2023-2024. For collaborations, you may contact the Lab at ktc.ypl@gmail.com or via their social media platforms at linktr.ee/ktc.ypl.