YouthLed LEAD fellows participate in the 2nd Phase of the Introductory Course on Governance

Following the first phase of the Introductory Course on Governance for LEAD Fellowship Cohort 2, the second phase, Pamumunong may Kaalaman: Working with the Public Sector was held on 18 November 2023, at the CTC 413 PLDT Convergent Technologies Center, Ateneo de Manila University. Thirty-nine (39) YouthLed LEAD Fellows actively participated in the in-person forum fostering valuable interactions and connections with subject matter experts. Anchored on the theme, Pamumunong May Kaalaman: Working with the Public Sector, the discussions covered topics on how youth leaders can navigate the intricacies of politics in the public sector, as well as current trends, inequalities, and challenges in national governance and democracy in the Philippines.

Dr. Philip Arnold Tuaño, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), formally opened the training program. He emphasized the university's goal of nurturing graduates who actively contribute to shaping a more just and humane society. Dr. Tuaño further highlighted the role of students as catalysts for positive change, aligning with the overarching goal of the YouthLed LEAD Fellowship. Additionally, he outlined ASOG's current contributions to policy reforms, which currently focus on inclusive democracy, national security, and health governance.

Ms. Maxine Tanya Hamada, In-Country Coordinator for Advocacy, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, joined the first forum, where she emphasized the value and importance of strategic thinking in leadership for young leaders. She also highlighted how they can navigate the intricacies of the public sector, encompassing its organizational, technical, and political dimensions leading to producing a well-designed reform for their communities.

During the second forum, Dr. Ronald Mendoza, Senior Research Fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, Ateneo School of Government, discussed political and economic inequalities in the Philippines. He shared data and research illustrating the current challenges facing the country, contributing to disparities in both political and economic spheres. These challenges include the concentration of political power among dynasties, economic concentration marked by rent-seeking and weak competition, and limited upward mobility due to inequalities in human capital investments and economic opportunities.

Ms. Bernice Amanda Mendoza and Mr. Emmanuel Frodo Uranza, leaders of the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo De Manila also participated in the session, sharing Ateneo's student initiatives in mobilizing the campus towards social and political engagement.

The forum session was synthesized and was formally closed by Mr. Leon Flores, Training Director of the course. In his synthesis, he not only delivered an inspirational pep talk to the young fellows but also expressed his sincere gratitude to them for choosing to remain dedicated to working in the public sector despite facing various challenges within.