Lawmakers Push for Filipino Youth Development System Reform
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Filipino youth development system is facing a critical crossroads, local leaders reported, as Rep. Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list raises urgent calls for reform. He described the current state of youth development as a crisis demanding immediate national attention, framing it as both a security and economic priority for the country.
Following the 25th International Youth Day, Poe delivered a privilege speech emphasizing the need for comprehensive legislative action. His multi-faceted approach aims to address the challenges confronting Filipino youth through a series of bills and policy proposals designed to uplift and empower the nation’s young population.
Magna Carta for Out-of-School Youth: A Landmark Proposal
At the heart of Poe’s legislative agenda is the Magna Carta for Out-of-School Youth, a significant bill crafted with nearly two decades of input from out-of-school youth (OSYs) themselves. This legislation seeks to protect the rights of approximately 11 million Filipinos aged 5 to 24 who are currently out of the formal education system.
Community members said the bill aims to open vital pathways to education, decent employment, accessible health services, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Poe stressed that the initiative is designed to provide these vulnerable youth with the tools they need to rebuild their futures and contribute meaningfully to society.
Addressing Workforce Challenges and Skills Mismatch
Beyond education access, officials reported that Poe’s vision tackles the persistent skills mismatch affecting the Filipino workforce. He pointed out that six out of ten workers remain in elementary or agricultural jobs, while nearly one-third are unqualified for their current roles.
“The June 2025 Labor Force Survey highlights the consequences: youth labor force participation has fallen to 33.1 percent. Furthermore, 615,000 young workers, representing 10.2 percent of the total employed, are underemployed and actively seeking better opportunities,” local leaders noted.
To combat these issues, Poe proposed the Skilled Trades Access Act, which would eliminate the requirement for tertiary education in certain blue-collar jobs. Additionally, the Digital Teaching Excellence Act aims to equip educators with the skills needed for technology-enhanced learning environments.
Integrating Health and Education for Youth Well-Being
Recognizing the vital link between health and education, Poe also advocated for initiatives to improve the overall well-being of young Filipinos. He emphasized, “A child who is undernourished, a teenager battling illness, or a young adult with poor mental well-being will struggle to learn, train, and work.”
His Youth Mental Health Support Act proposes the establishment of a national E-Guidance Counselor Program and scholarships to develop more mental health professionals. This initiative aims to provide accessible mental health support, ensuring no young person is left behind due to psychological barriers.
Commitment to Empowering the Present and Future Generations
Summing up his advocacy, Poe stated, “The youth are just not the future; they are also the present.” His commitment is clear: to build a society where every young Filipino has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Officials reported that these legislative efforts reflect a growing awareness among policymakers about the urgent need to revitalize the Filipino youth development system. The proposed measures seek to create an inclusive environment where education, employment, and health services work hand in hand to empower the next generation.
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