Written by Aira Clarize Buyco and Milagros Guinsad
Political Science students from the University of Baguio, namely, Ms. Aira Clarize Buyco and Ms. Milagros Guinsad, showcased their leadership and legislative skills at the recently concluded 4th Baguio Youth Parliament. The event took place on August 26 to 27, 2024, at the University of the Cordilleras Cañao Hall, which gathered youth leaders across the City of Baguio to deliberate and draft ordinances addressing timely and important issues. This parliament was part of the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Baguio, an initiative that empowers young people to take active roles in governance.
Day 1: Learning from Leaders and Shaping Youth Policy
The first day of the parliament began with a workshop led by Hon. Levy Lloyd Orcales, the Barangay Captain of Aurora Hill and former Baguio SK Federation President, titled “Identifying Youth Problems and Creating Sustainable Solutions Through Legislation.” Orcales encouraged the youth participants to explore solutions to pressing issues affecting their communities, setting the tone for the legislative sessions to follow.
This was followed by “Crafting Ordinances and Resolutions,” a session facilitated by Atty. Brenner Bengwayan, which equipped the delegates with the technical skills for effective legislative drafting. Adding to the discussions, Sir Mark Richmond de Leon, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, presented about the transportation policy and development projects, inspiring participants to consider infrastructure in their legislative proposals.
To conclude the day’s activities, Prof. Kaye Leah Sitchon from Saint Louis University conducted a workshop on Parliamentary Procedures, ensuring participants were well-prepared for the simulated parliamentary sessions slated for Day 2.
In the afternoon, participants were divided into nine committees addressing different societal challenges: Education, Health, Employment, Environment and Agriculture, Governance, Active Citizenship, Social Inclusion and Equity, Peacebuilding and Security, and Global Mobility. Aira Clarize Buyco joined the Governance Committee, while Milagros Guinsad participated in the Active Citizenship Committee. Together with their advisers from the SK Federation, the youth delegates began drafting ordinances based on their committee topics.
Day 2: Parliament Sessions and Proposals
The second day was dedicated to parliamentary sessions where the delegates presented and debated their proposed ordinances. Milagros’ committee presented “An Ordinance Providing Incentives for the Out-of-School Youth’s Civic Participation in the City of Baguio.” This initiative aimed to encourage out-of-school youth to engage in civic activities by offering incentives, encouraging active citizenship, and reintegrating them into the community.
Meanwhile, Aira’s committee proposed “An Ordinance Institutionalizing Educational Discussions Among Schools Within Baguio City Related to the Sangguniang Kabataan.” This proposal aimed to enhance youth awareness and participation in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) through educational sessions, motivating young people to actively participate in SK elections, whether as voters or candidates.
Out of the nine committees, only four proposals passed the parliament procedures: Employment, Global Mobility, Governance, and Peacebuilding and Security. The top-performing committees were invited to the Youth Gala on September 1, 2024, for further recognition. Global Mobility clinched first place, while Governance secured second. Aira’s Governance Committee’s second-place finish reflects the hard work, creativity, and intellect of the UB students.
The participation and success of Aira Clarize Buyco and Milagros Guinsad in the 4th Baguio Youth Parliament highlights the University of Baguio’s dedication to shaping future leaders. As part of the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration, their involvement demonstrates the important role of youth in governance and the potential they have to drive legislative change. Through their exceptional work, Aira and Milagros have shown that UBians are ready to lead, legislate, and inspire.
