summer course on Good governance

The summer course was successfully conducted on May 3-6, 2009 at the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) of Mindanao in Davao City.

It was participated by 40 youth ministers and leaders who courageously and actively took the challenge on Good Governance.

During the Opening Mass, Bishop George Rimando of the Archdiocese of Davao stated that leadership is hard to translate into action. Youth ministers in the same manner are challenged on how to touch the life of the youth despite the difficulties encountered everyday. He further elaborated that “we must be like Christ who is the Good shepherd, who is willing to sacrifice for others, and therefore we need a leadership by example.”

During the introductory workshop, the participants were able to share their views on the different values of the youth today and how Mindanao youth understood politics.

On the other hand, Mr. Rhoderick Hernandez, the Daditama youth leader, presented the difference between Politics and politics. That Politics refers to traditional politics, corrupt or playing dirty while politics comes from the two Greek words (polis, which means country & tikien, which means order, organize and develop) this would mean that true politics is a country that is order, organized and developed.

It is very timely to discuss youth and governance since national election is fast approaching. Many of the youth today need to have an understanding on their role on good governance. According to McCann Intergenerational study 2006 that youth’s top priority are family 82%, education 67%, friends 52%, politics and governance 3% as presented by Mr. Ian Clark Falcon of the Social Involvement Coordinating Office of Ateneo de Davao. He, also challenge the youth to move from personal to communal to societal and to focus on hopes rather than the grim reality.

Among the many issues of our country today, CORRUPTION is rampant  Dr. Ronald V. Amorado, the EHEM national coordinator gave an input on the Situation on Corruption in the Philippines and their initiatives on Sagipin ang Pilipino Mula sa Tradisyonal na Pulitika . This was validated through the regional workshops on the participants’ experiences on corruption. While a lot of experiences were being brought out, one good thing was realized, that everyone was part of the problem.



A forum on Electoral Movement was participated by 120 youth leaders held in the afternoon of May 5, 2009 where Bishop Elenito Galido (Iligan) , Fr. Conegundo Garganta (NSYA) and Gov. Eddie Panlilio of Pampanga were the Panel Discussants.

As Bishop Galido quoted during the forum “We realize that the root cause of our debilitating situation is the erosion of moral values. Its external manifestations are deceit and dishonesty, corruption, manipulation and a deadening preoccupation with narrow political interests, perceived in practically all branches and at all levels of government. The bishops reiterated their strong affirmation, encouragement, appreciation and support coming from dedicated laity, religious and clergy, NGOs and various associations, including police and military personnel, giving themselves to improve the governance, education, health, housing, livelihood and environmental conditions of our people. These people, united by a vision of heroic citizenship, are reasons for hope, even in the midst of the political crisis we find ourselves in”.
Honorable Eddie Panlilio who is in the list of 2010 candidates, on the other hand, shared his stories on governing the Province of Pampanga. He loved his priesthood and took the challenge to be a public servant through witnessing that is based upon the Gospel values. He further says that “masarap baguhin ang ating bansa kapag nagtulong tulong”.(it’s nice to reform our country if we help one another)

Furthermore, Fr. Garganta shared the recent experience of the National Youth Coordinating Council held in Taytay, Rizal. Also, he invited the youth ministers and leaders to clear the way so that our young people can come up with a decision for a change to transform our country with dignity.
Despite the crisis we have right now, the youth are aiming for the so called CHANGE but HOW? (If you have any suggestions please send them to our office so we can include them in the next issue)

A sincere appreciation and gratitude is extended to all the invited speakers, participants, Mindanao Bishops, REMASE management and benefactors who contributed to the tremendous success of the summer course.(Haydee Llanos-Silao)