The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) convened key government officials during the 49th National Advisory Council (NAC) Meeting recently to enhance strategies aimed at empowering the Filipino youth.
In a statement Friday, Oct. 11, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the collaboration among government agencies is essential for effectively addressing the challenges faced by the youth, as outlined in the Youth in Nation-Building Act of 1995.
National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Jeff Ortega underscored the NAC's role as a crucial platform for aligning efforts across various government sectors to support youth initiatives and aspirations.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11913, which provides guidelines for observing National Youth Day every Aug. 12 and details various youth empowerment programs.
Participants also discussed the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023-2028 and provided updates on the Magna Carta for Out-of-School Youth, along with the NYC report on Sangguniang Kabataan-related activities.
These discussions ensured the formulation of comprehensive strategies for youth engagement, the DOLE said.
The gathering included representatives from several key government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Other contributors included the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), all committed to enhancing youth-focused initiatives and policies nationwide.