MAKATI CITY – Five young legislators from Apayao took part in the three-day National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) Luzon Congress, held at the Ateneo Rockwell Campus from March 6 to 9, 2024.
The event featured a specialized legal course for legislators organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in collaboration with Joaquin G. Bernas S.J. Institute for Continuing Legal Education at Ateneo de Manila School of Law.
Among the participants in this specialized executive course for legislators were Naville Dickpus Taccalan, NMYL CAR Regional Chairperson and Councilor of Calanasan; Jericka L. De San Jose-Batoon, Councilor of Flora; Harold Cliff L. Danggan, Councilor of Calanasan; Nelkie Xyza S. Butel, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President of Flora; and Montes B. Moyaen, SK Federation President of Conner.
The NMYL comprises elected local lawmakers in the Philippines aged 40 and below, serving in various capacities such as municipal/city councilors, municipal/city vice mayors, provincial board members, and provincial vice governors.
This group is characterized by its capable, proactive, and ethical leaders who believe in the power of young people in driving innovations, sustainable development, and promoting good governance. Their vision entails a compassionate and prosperous nation where the essential needs of every Filipino are met, governance is exemplary, and all citizens are treated with dignity.
The congress aims to spotlight issues relevant to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning human rights and the fight against corruption and graft. It serves as a platform for Luzon legislators to unite, strengthen their commitment to good governance, and enhance their capacity in lawmaking and policy formulation at the local level.
Furthermore, NMYL is committed to upholding moral leadership and promoting effective governance. Leveraging its platform, the organization seeks to influence legislative initiatives that bring positive change and contribute to nation-building. It strives to be a catalyst for constructive transformation and a dependable partner to the national government in achieving the collective aspirations for the country.
According to Taccalan, the way this course benefits his life as a lawmaker is by enabling him to carry out his assigned tasks and responsibilities. He continued, “I think that in everything we do, from carrying out our duties to providing services above and beyond the law, we should always prioritize the welfare of the people.”
Board Member Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan will supervise the upcoming second batch of the specialized course, slated to commence soon. By PIO Apayao