Magna Carta of Out-of-School Youth sought in 20th Congress
At A Glance
- Deputy Majority Leader Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas is pursuing a measure that would go a long way in protecting the rights and expand opportunities for young Filipinos who are not enrolled in formal schooling.
(Unsplash)
Deputy Majority Leader Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas is pursuing a measure that would go a long way in protecting the rights and expand opportunities for young Filipinos who are not enrolled in formal schooling.
Filed by Vargas in the current 20th Congress was House Bill (HB) No. 3415, also known as the proposed “Magna Carta of Out-of-School Youth”.
HB No.3415 seeks to recognize out-of-school youth (OSY) as a vital sector in nation-building, guaranteeing them access to education, vocational training, employment, healthcare, and social services.
It also mandates government programs to ensure the OSY’s integration into productive and meaningful participation in society.
"Ang mga OSY ay isa sa mga marginalized na sektor sa ating lipunan. Madalas, nakatuon ang mga polisiya natin sa mga Kabataang nasa paaralan. Kaya ang pagsasabatas ng HB No.3415 ay isang hakbang upang maipantay natin sila sa lipunan," he said.
(OSY are one of the marginalized sectors in our society. Often, our policies focus on youth who are in school. That’s why the enactment of HB No.3415 is a step toward leveling the playing field for them in society.)
Vargas noted that the measure builds on the pioneering work of his brother, former Rep. Alfred Vargas, who first initiated efforts to provide a comprehensive legal framework for OSY empowerment during his term.
The proposed Magna Carta outlines the rights of OSY, including protection from violence, access to non-discriminatory educational opportunities, among others.
It also establishes the Out-of-School Youth Welfare Council, which will coordinate inter-agency efforts to deliver programs and services to OSY nationwide.
“As we honor the youth this week, we must ensure no one is left behind—especially those who have been left out of formal education”, says Vargas. “This is not just a celebration, but a commitment to action”.
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12, while “Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week)” is celebrated in the Philippines every August 12-17. Both aim to raise public awareness on youth issues and mobilize support for initiatives that address them.