ILOILO — From presiding over legislative sessions to drafting ordinances on education, HIV awareness, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, Iloilo’s youth leaders experienced firsthand the demands of governance as they took on official roles during the recent Provincial Youth Week celebration.
The initiative, organized by the Provincial Federation of Youth Councils (PPSK), paired selected students with provincial officials under the Boy and Girl Officials program, immersing them in policy-making, public service, and the political landscape.
Vanessa Jane Loraña of Camangahan National High School, named Girl Governor for 2025, recalled the rigorous process that led to her appointment.
“Before we were chosen for the top 15, we first had to go through a screening process. We submitted our applications and letters of intent to the PPSK email. From there, the top 45 candidates were selected. The top 45 then participated in interviews and essay writing, which determined who would advance to the top 15,” she explained.
Charlene Anne Gargaritano of Tubungan National High School and who assumed the role of Vice Governor said their essays centered on this year’s theme, Local Youth Actions for SDGs and Beyond.
“In our essays, we explained this theme by highlighting our advocacies and focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.
Both Loraña and Gargaritano emphasized that candidates needed to present advocacy projects to be considered.
“Since my interview, I have emphasized my advocacy focused on Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, particularly those who have not yet been reached by mainstream media. I want to ensure that IPs receive the academic resources and rights they need, as well as have experiences similar to those of others,” Loraña said.
“My advocacy centers on education, specifically Sustainable Development Goal number 4. My main focus is on extending knowledge through the arts, such as body movement and dance. I also teach my dance sports team and explore the art of expression through words in journalism,” Gargaritano added.
Other youth officials raised advocacies on quality education, leadership, literacy, mental health, HIV awareness, media literacy, and environmental protection.
As part of their immersion, the student leaders attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session, observed parliamentary procedures, and engaged in an ordinance-making exercise.
“I learned during the session that the governor is not part of the legislative body. I was given the chance to observe what the board members do, and I saw how the parliamentary procedures actually take place,” Loraña said, adding that her team proposed Project Atipan to address the academic needs of IP learners.
Gargaritano also presided over the session, fulfilling a long-held aspiration.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Since last year, I have been observing how parliamentary procedures work, and it has always been my dream to be a presiding officer because it seems so fun to bang the gavel,” she said.
Meanwhile, youth leader Franz Deonn Bedano of Badiangan National High School highlighted their group’s ordinance for an HIV Awareness Week. He was appointed Provincial Board member representing the 3rd District.
“While reflecting on what’s still lacking, we realized we need to create an ordinance that has not been addressed yet. So we thought, why not celebrate HIV awareness to help eliminate the stigma?” he said. “We want to advocate change gid ya sa community because as a youth, who were given this platform we want to be change makers of today, not only for tomorrow.”
Alongside Loraña and Gargaritano, 14 other student leaders from Iloilo’s five districts assumed roles as provincial board members and other key posts, bringing youth voices to the forefront of governance. They were the following:
* 1st District Board members – Cassie Rhain Aparri (Guimbal National High School) and Princess Mae Salaysalay (Oton National High School)
* 2nd District Board members – Raine Gener (Pavia National High School) and Hanica Kim Porras (Pavia National High School)
* 3rd District Board members – Franz Deonn Bedaño (Badiangan National High School) and Paolo Castillare (Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School)
* 4th District Board members – Rea Mae Teologo (Tigbauan National High School) and Clemence Marie Alag (Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School)
* 5th District Board members – Alex Kriel Noquez (Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School) and Jecha Marie Manadero (Maasin National Comprehensive High School)
* Philippine Councilors League girl president – Althea Gumban (Iloilo National High School)
* League of Municipalities of the Philippines girl president – Mary Devine Almacen (Alimodian National Comprehensive High School)
* PPSK boy president – Audy Jaime Genona (Pavia National High School)
“My advocacy aligns with the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which is quality education. I have always emphasized my commitment to holistic education,” said Salaysalay.
For Aparri, “My advocacy focuses on expanding leadership opportunities because not everyone has the privilege to lead. I want to reach out to barangays and communities that lack functional leadership. I believe that every youth has the potential to lead.”
“My advocacy is also centered on education, particularly on reading and writing. There are many graduates today who still cannot read or write, so I plan to focus on teaching these skills from Grade 7 to Grade 10, ensuring that students can understand what they are reading and writing,” said Gener.
For her part, Porras said, “My advocacy focuses on mental well-being and good health. I aim to create a safe space for youth and everyone to express themselves through creative art.”
Meanwhile, Teologo said, “I focus on sharing information and fighting misinformation and disinformation through media literacy. We live in a digital world, and I want to advocate for this.”
“I promote literacy and numeracy programs that support quality education. This is also part of the Department of Education’s vision. I believe that literacy and numeracy are essential,” said Manadero.
As for Almacen, she said, “My advocacy is about public speaking and positive leadership. I want to help young people speak confidently and make an impact, creating empowered leaders.”
“I focus on environmental awareness and youth empowerment. I believe the youth are the key to our future, and we need to understand environmental issues before taking action,” said Genona./PN