Write a letter to P-Noy
The most underrepresented sector of society is, undoubtedly, the youth. Even though the youth are hailed by many as the future of our country, very few actually take the time to listen to them. On the other hand, one reason for this might be the perceived apathy among the country’s high school and university students. Whichever it may be, all is not lost because there are youth groups around the country who do participate gainfully in society. One of them is Voice of Mindanao (VoM), a youth organization based in Zamboanga City that “not only supports peace advocacy, but encourages the youth to express themselves towards the direction of a peaceful Mindanao.”
VoM is hosting a Mindanao-wide activity aimed at the young men and women of Southern Philippines: a ‘contest’ where the prizes are fulfillment and renewed hope that the national leadership will listen more intently to the voices from the deep South. “Dear P-Noy” is a letter-writing contest open to all youngsters (for the purposes of this activity, 11 to 18 years old) who are living in Mindanao. The letter-writer must express to President Aquino what his/her thoughts or ideas are in terms of making their future a brighter prospect under his presidency.
Please read about the “Dear P-Noy” contest mechanics on the VoM blog.
Take note: the winning letter will be read by the President himself on the 20th of August 2010, during the celebration of Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary.
I’d like to urge you, dear reader, to encourage your children, nephews / nieces, younger cousins, or any youngster under your care to participate in this worthy undertaking. The whole effort will not only give voice to Mindanao’s calls for peace, development and understanding, it will also teach a valuable lesson to young Mindanaoans. Being part of VoM’s laudable project will teach them about being an active member of society, and about the value of free expression and what it can bring about for their future.
I was just wondering why is it only till the 18 year old age bracket? Just curious if the youth age-bracket definition nowadays have been reduced to the pre-teen till the late teenage years because then from making plans for medium term youth development or international conferences like Earth Day Ambassadors, some countries defined youth till the age of 35 while other till the late 20′s.
Yes, you're right about that. "Youth" is defined roughly as being in the age of 17 to 35 — there are slight variations across different agencies / organizations. I don't know why VoM chose to limit the age range, but I doubt if it's a statement to define what "youth" means.
Do help VoM get more Mindanao youngsters on board! It is something worthwhile, don't you think?
Since this blog is about Mindanao, I have to post these questions of mine.
Why is it that all news about Mindanao are negative? Can't we find peace in this Land of Promise?
Being born and raised in the South Cotabato in Southern Mindanao, I tried to answer the questions and pray to raise awareness and answers to this age-old conflict thru many ways, and one of these is thru hiphop music.
It's not about religion. It's about misunderstanding and the attitude of not trying to understand other people. The real battle to fight is within the confines of our minds.
Check out my blog at: http://jrgon.blogspot.com/
And the Panaghiusa Mindanao Rap for Peace at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTd63VZAkpE
That is a big frustration among Mindanaoans indeed! And that's one of the reasons why we have the Mindanao Bloggers Community — to try and counter the largely negative news coverage by national trimedia.
Thanks for the links!
No problem, Blogie.
Good thing we have the social media.
We need these kinds of sites that aims for a more positive view of Mindanao – what we have, who we are, and what we can.
I am from Luzon. I like this idea. We can empower youth today more than ever because of e-collaboration through social networks and blogging. As to age bracket, the 11-18 cohort I think has the freshest minds — they had just left childhood and about to enter early adulthood. They haven't been conditioned with the factors in the external environment.
idol kita ! waaaaaaaaahh! galing galing mo talaga
tga davao din ako, but dito na sa manila nakatira..
maraming salamat sa mga magagandang posts mo. more power. !
Hello, thank you your writing style is amazing. just found your site on google. come back later for sure
tga mindanao ako.. masaya ako kc my ganitong site na para sa tga mindanao… sna lng mbigyan ng pansin ang youth especially sa mga rural area.. like yung mga lumads dito sa mindanao
Hello, bent78! 'Yan din ang gusto ko. Baka may ideas ka kung paano sila mabibigyan ng pansin? I welcome your ideas.