In the City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the National Children’s Month is now celebrated with a Child Representative Election, where the youths elect their City Child Representative for Youth Issues.
A child representative is elected in each of the city’s 30 barangays. The Barangay Child representatives then elect the City Child representative who joins the members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC).
“Ang nasabing eleksyon ay isang simbolo ng demokrasya at aktibong partisipasyon ng mga kabataan, kung saan ang mga kinatawan mismo ang nagsilbing mga botante [The election is a symbol of democracy and the active participation of the youth, where the representatives are the voters],” said Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan.
G. Marcus Turriego from Barangay San Joaquin was re-elected as City Child representative.
Mayor AJAM, together with Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez and the members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, said they fully support the programs that give voice to Tomasino youths.
CHILDREN’S CONGRESS
In 2023, the city government mounted the first Children’s Congress in Barangay Sta. Clara.
At the event, the State of the Children’s Address was delivered by City Child representative Turriego.
The Congress also discussed the programs of the city government that addressed child rights and welfare. Included in these programs is the commitment to raise the quality of education, strengthen health services, and promote a safe environment for children.
YOUTH SUMMIT
Last October, the city government conducted the 2024 Youth Summit. Some 150 youth leaders from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Local Youth Development Council, and the Local Youth Development Council attended the summit.
“It is important for the youths to know by heart essential SK policies, especially on matters concerning the planning and budgeting of related activities for 2025. This was the goal of the summit,” the Mayor said.
He added that on the whole, “the Youth summit is a way for Tomasino youths to voice and share their ideas, allowing them to take part in the active planning and implementation of a progressive and happy future for the City of Sto. Tomas.”
Robust discussions on encouraging the city’s youth to be involved in governance characterized the summit.
“The summit is our way of preparing our youths for their leadership responsibilities, from the barangay level, all the way to the city level,” Mayor AJAM noted.
SPORTS, ACADEMICS, ARTS
Throughout the year, the city government sponsored youth participation in sports, academics, and the arts. This included: the 2nd Aksyon Bilis Inter-Barangay Sports League, the Batang Pinoy Philippine National Games, and the Inter-Town League.
Active youth participation embodied the celebration of the Linggo ng Kabataan with SKs and Youth Organizations that culminated in the proclamation of the “Little Mayor,” “Little Vice Mayor,” and the “Little Councilors.”
Youths also actively engaged in the basketball tryouts conducted for the Junior Manny Pacquiao Basketball League.
GAWAD KABATAAN AWARD
Some 134 Tomasino scholars received the Gawad Kabataan: Dangal ng Bayan award under the supervision of the City Youth Development and Sports Division.
The award recognizes Tomasino scholars that achieved Latin honors—Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Laude—exhibiting excellence and dedication as students for School Year 2023-2024.
Hailed as Most Outstanding and Consistent Tomasino Scholar for 2024 is Summa Cum Laude Mark A. Maniaga. In his inspirational speech, Maniaga underscored the importance of industry and perseverance in achieving success. He thanked the full support given to the scholars by the city’s officials, led by Mayor AJAM, Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez, and the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
During the awards program, the city’s 2024 board passers were similarly recognized and honored.
