Every nation will always be necessitated to heed the youth ideas because perfusing a society with qualities of game-changers like them will surely never go wrong.
This has been emanating since then, particularly in the province of Lanao del Sur, which ensured that not only adults but also the young populace take the lead.
True to this, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in this place has become a platform for the youths to be capacitated and emerge as competent leaders, ready to steer their respective localities into the light of advancement through the potent branding ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’ (Voice of Meranaw Youth).
Such a crusade commenced five years ago when Jamil Faisal Adiong was seated as the SK Federation president with nothing in mind but to amplify the voice of his fellow Meranaw youths to secure a bright future and embrace inclusivity so everyone could take part in the decision-making process.
From 2018 to 2023, this young executive, with his co-officers and youth groups, championed the significance of unity, especially amidst unraveling crises and challenges concerning the entire constituency.
“Kagaya nga ng isang komunidad, kapag isa lang ang sumasagot sa bawat problema na mayroon tayo, parang mahina. Hindi gaanong lumalakas at empowered ang ating community. Because of that, hindi nasosolve ang ating mga problema sa community,” he said.
Continuing his advocacy, Adiong set the tone of young voices so they could be listened to in any way they were and should be essential.
The birth of ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’
When Adiong assumed office after winning the local polls in 2018, he took on tough challenges with the primary purpose of changing the citizens' viewpoint about SK and the kind of service it could offer.
He confirmed that they kept their promise of not politicizing their actions, instead delivering what the locals deserved.
Adiong emphasized that they embraced the responsibility that came with the power given to them, recognizing the weighty task of ensuring that the authority would benefit the people.
Installed as the SK president, he recalled being determined to be the voice of Meranaw youths. However, this changed upon realizing a pool of diverse youths bearing different needs and perspectives from their lived realities.
From this, turning up the volume of voices of youths became one of the priority agenda of Adiong
.
“Hindi pwedeng ako lang ang boses ng kabataang Meranaw (It is not proper that I alone would be the voice of Meranaw youth). Believing in the concept of Mashuara (consultation) and democracy, we should be able to allow people to speak and stand for themselves. Collectively, we could do more if we are together,” he said.
Innovating transformative youth programs
Adiong's administration became an era that highlighted and brought young voices into the spotlight.
This, as numerous programs and activities were conducted and participated by thousands of youths.
Among these were youth conversations, Mindanao International Studies Society Convention, skills development training for young women, SK presidents’ continuing mandatory training and enrichment program, Young Women Empowerment Summit, Datu a Bantogen sa Ranaw, Ranaw Young Leaders Academy, advocacy for peace, annual celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week) and Lanao del Sur Youth Volunteers’ Day, and the separate gathering of Lanao volunteers, young women and youth organizations.
Additional initiatives were also materialized under the helm of Adiong Ranaw, such as the Project Grant Program (RPGP) and Ranaw Youth Parliament, where youths grabbed the opportunity to pursue their project proposals with the funding of the local government and its sponsors and serve as local legislators during a period.
Adiong likewise helped answer the clamor for insufficient attention to some aspects to satisfy the desire for complete social protection.
He secured approval for the Ranaw Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025 while representing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and successfully passing several bills he authored, ensuring the continuous implementation of his youth programs.
Keeping the momentum of Adiong’s legacy
For the past five years of heading the SK Federation, the constituents of Lanao del Sur province cannot deny nor contend that Adiong had set the bar high for public servants and officials in the government.
He stood as a testament that despite the little connections from the beginning of his term and groping how to have a remarkable kick-off of programs, at the end of his stint, a stellar service could be proffered that would leave anyone in awe and look up to it as worthy of emulation.
Although Adiong has already made his graceful exit, his legacy would be preserved and sustained with the usurping leader expressing his commitment.
“Lahat ng ating sinimulan ay confident ako na magpapatuloy. Hindi lang ang aming opisina o mga kabataan kung hindi tayong lahat ang magpapalakas sa boses ng kabataang Meranaw,” he said.
(I am confident that we will continue all that we have started. It's not just our office or the youth; all of us will strengthen the voice of Meranaw youth).
During the Convergence of Ranaw Youth Partners on November 30, the outgoing SK Federation president handed over his gavel and the Ranaw Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025 to his successor, Abdulmalik Adiong III, to signal the unfolding of a new administration sharing the same mission.
The latter ensured that the inspiring and invaluable legacy of his predecessor would continue to live on in the spirits of every Meranaw youth.
“I believe this opportunity brings me not only privileges but a great responsibility as well. I pledge to ensure the implementation of the Ranaw Youth Development Plan 2023-2025 with the help of my fellow SKs,” he said.
Now more than ever, the youth council of Lanao del Sur is confident that although they have never perfected their mandated jobs, the current situation of their sector is better than before.
With this, the call of the young game-changers continues, but this time, louder and clearer. Collectively, they echo, “Patuloy nating palakasin ang boses ng kabataang Meranaw (let us continue amplifying the voice of Meranaw youths).” (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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