May 21, Quezon City - Forty youth leaders, including both present and aspiring Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, came together for a practical three-day workshop named "diSKarte 2023." Held from May 19 to 21 at Coccon Boutique Hotel. This event aimed to equip them with vital skills for effective political and governance participation. The workshop was organized by a coalition of esteemed organizations including Young Public Servants, INCITEGov, Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking, Model SK, Institute of Politics and Governance, Young People's Council PH, and Angat Buhay.
The participants came from key cities in the country, namely: Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, Malabon, Pasay, Taytay, Muntinlupa in NCR/Greater NCR; Bulacan, Sta. Rosa (Laguna), Nueva Ecija, Taytay, Quirino in Luzon; Iloilo in Visayas; and Tagum, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Kidapawan in Mindanao.
diSKarte 2023 aimed to prepare future SK leaders by equipping them with knowledge and skills in communication, governance, and responsible use of political power.
Lei Adame from the Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) shared insights into the SK Reform Law, highlighting the platform it offers for youth voices. Adame's presentation outlined the provisions of the SK Reform Law, including mandates, qualifications, and the Anti-Dynasty clause. Attendees also learned about the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program (ABYIP), Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP), and Local Youth Development Council (LYDC).
INCITEGov led discussions on "Progressive Governance: Power, Leadership, and Relationships," rooted in the P-G-D (Politics-Governance-Development) Modules 1 and 2. Concepts like values clarification, power dynamics, and democratic leadership were core aspects.
Communication strategies were tackled by industry experts like Tin Dela Cruz, manager of Generika Drug Store, and Ayo Di, an executive from Galing Pook. Ali Sangalang, co-founder and creative director of Linya-Linya, delved into social marketing's potential for dynamic engagement.
The seminar explored political mapping as a tool to identify key concerns. Khylla Meneses, alongside CYAN, discussed campaign strategy and grassroots volunteerism's role.
Joshua Bardenas, Director for Education and Research of Model SK tackled campaign planning while Nestie Villaviray of CYAN discussed platform development.
The seminar ended with the participants enthusiastically participating in a mock miting de avance where they practiced introducing themselves and their platforms to yout constituents.
The seminar participants thoroughly appreciated the two-day seminar and gave the following feedback:
DiSKarte is a comprehensive workshop on youth electoral campaign. The ins and outs of planning and implementing campaign strategies stood for me. This is crucial to be enacted when we do groundwork back in our communities. To know the issues, craft a plan, and address challenges along the way. - Ferdinand Sanchez II, Brgy 831, Manila City
diSKarte is a perfect avenue for young leaders who want to learn all the basics of running an honest and excellent campaign. The mentors were all experts in their respective disciplines and the learnings we brought home will always be in our hearts, especially when we become future leaders in our own communities. - Vincent Arnold "Cholo" Gomez, Brgy Poblacion, Kidapawan City, North Cotobato
DiSKarte is a very timely capacity-building event for youth leaders wanting to engage in politics and community service. The topics and the schedule is well thought of even to the minute details. It's a good kind of compressed, lessons are taught in a way that's easy to understand. It's also noteworthy how everyone is conscious of the time and avoids dragging the schedule. Everything was efficient. - Arbijei Gatchalian, Brgy Paco, Kidapawan City, Cotabato
"For the youth, with the youth" was a powerful central theme during diSKarte, and I was here for all of it! It taught me things we could utilize for the campaign and awakened my dwindling passion for serving the youth and the community, thanks to my fellow young leaders who gave me hope. The topics were serious and technical, but the mentors and speakers communicated them in an easily digestible manner. I also appreciate YPC and all partners (extra appreciation for Celyna of InciteGov!) for taking care of us and ensuring we're getting the most from this experience. Super love the mock MDA and, of course, the event name! (Miss Mia, you will always be famous.) - John Paul Tobias, Brgy Pedlisan, Madella City, Quirino Province #