The first run of Kabataang Bayani was for the DSWD-NCR Youth last year.
MANILA, April 21, 2013—In what will be the first runs of the Episcopal Commission on Youth’s election catechism for 2013, the dioceses of Iloilo and Bangued will be undergoing all three modules of the said formation on April 21.
Some 60 to 70 youth will gather at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Bangued tomorrow for the Kabataang Bayani election catechism, which will be facilitated by Melanie Santos, a volunteer staff of the National Secretariat for Youth Apostolate (NSYA), implementing arm of the Episcopal Commission on Youth.
Whilssy Candelaria, another NSYA volunteer staff, will facilitate the Iloilo run of Kabataang Bayani, which will be held at the Archbishop’s Palace in Jaro, Iloilo also today.
Feelings to action
The formation comprises three modules with the first module encouraging young people to explore their feelings about their past electoral choices and how feelings should eventually be translated to concrete actions.
For example, if a young voter feels regret and disappointment because of the disappointing performance of government officials he has elected, this regret should not remain a feeling, but should be translated into a more vigilant and more carefully discerned choice of candidates in the coming May elections.
“Kung ano man ang nangyayari sa lipunan, affected ka doon kasi bahagi ka ng society. Aware ka man o hindi, naaapektuhan ng ginagawa mo ‘yung ibang tao (Whatever happens in society, you are affected by it because you are part of society. Whether you are aware or not, other people are affected by what you do),” said Santos, explaining the gist of the second module, which seeks to show young people how each individual’s choices have ripple effects on society and political life.
Vote Ko ‘to
The last module titled “Vote Ko ‘To” asks the youth to explore what they believe an ideal society should be and what kind of people should be in public office to achieve this kind of society.
According to Santos, the third module tries to simulate election day by having a chart posted, one which lists actual candidates’ stands on key issues like RH, mining, FOI (freedom of information) bill, among others.
Young people are then asked to cast their votes as they would come May 13.
For groups or schools interested to have Kabataang Bayani facilitated in your area, email ecynsya@gmail.com [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
