By Maricel V. Cruz
A YOUTH group including members of a prominent party-list has presented a five-point manifesto to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, amplifying their call for urgent, future-ready reforms in Congress.
Crafted during the recent YANIG Youth Summit held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, the document reflected the voices of over 100 youth leaders from various schools, organizations, across the country, notably members of the TINGOG Kabataan chapters nationwide.
Collectively, they called themselves the Tayo ang Taya Youth Coalition.
The manifesto outlines key policy proposals across five priority areas: good governance, education, mental health, digital responsibility, and inclusive mobility.
Romualdez welcomed the manifesto and praised the coalition for their commitment to participatory governance.
“Youth participation is not just welcome, it is essential,” Romualdez said. “This manifesto is proof that young Filipinos are not only aware of the challenges we face, but ready to be part of the solutions. You have my commitment that your voices will be heard.”
Among the proposals are institutionalized youth-government dialogues, blockchain-backed transparency systems, participatory budgeting in local government, and stronger accountability mechanisms across public agencies. The document presents a clear call for Congress to work not only for the youth, but with them.
TINGOG Rep. Yedda Romualdez also commended the coalition for translating its advocacies into action.
“TINGOG has always stood for amplifying the voices of the underserved. Today, we stand with the youth in calling for a future that is more inclusive, accountable, and people-centered,” she said. “This generation is not waiting to be invited to the table—they are already here, leading the conversation.”
For his part, TINGOG Rep. Jude Acidre, chairrman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, emphasized the value of direct engagement with young Filipinos.
“This is more than a list of demands, it’s a roadmap for a better future,” said Acidre. “The ideas raised here are rooted in real experience and real urgency. Good governance begins with listening, and today, Congress listened.”
Fellow TINGOG Rep. Andrew Romualdez echoed his colleagues’ support and reaffirmed the party-list’s commitment to translating these proposals into legislative action.
“The ideas presented in this manifesto reflect the urgency, clarity, and idealism of a generation that refuses to be sidelined,” he said. “TINGOG is ready to help carry these proposals into the halls of Congress, and turn them into laws that make a difference.”
The presentation ended with the reminder: Nakataya sa pagkilos ng kabataan ang ating kinabukasan (It was not just a message, it was a challenge. A call for action, and for genuine partnership between those in power today, and the generation that will lead tomorrow.”
