Many of us still believe that the youth are the hope of the country. One would even argue that upon the birth of a person, he has already inherited the responsibility to make things better in this world and it is upon his youth where he can start embodying it.
However, some would also say that as youth, they cannot do anything impactful, yet. It is because they are still budding, and they still need experience. And that “marami pa silang bigas na kakainin.”
Active Youth Engagement (AYE), composed of youth from Gamu, Isabela, rose to the challenge and showed the people of the Province of Isabela that as youth, they can do more. AYE was formed when typhoon Ulysses caused massive flooding in the province. The youth organization is among the first to initiate donation drives for the victims of the typhoon. Together with Ambagan Philippines (Ambahan Ph), they have shared more than a thousand relief packs across Isabela.
“It was not an easy feat, but we managed to make it happen,” said Novelyn Paguirigan, a student and a member of the youth group. “Thanks to the youth of Gamu, we were able to live the dream of being an actual hope, maybe not of the country, but at least of our province,” she added.
Recently, AYE established the Gamu Community Pantry, mobilizing again the youth to revive the “bayanihan” of the people in this modern yet trying time with the adapted program titled “Ambagan sa Hapagkainan: Gamu Community Pantry” under Ambagan PH. The group also helps families who seek financial help through their Facebook page.
In their Facebook page, they narrated how the residents repeatedly expressed their gratitude and understood the spirit of the Community Pantry – magbigay nang naaayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailagan. “Okay na ‘to para sa amin… Para naman may makuha pa ‘yong iba, [This is already enough for us… So that the others can also get something]” the residents said, which, according to Novelyn, made the group even more enthusiastic about their program.
According to AYE Secretary-General Mark Jhon Danao, the members were all into the same advocacy of helping the people in times of need and were only waiting for someone to rise and lead them. So, when they heard the call for unity, they heed the call without a second thought.
As of the moment, its Executive for External Affairs is working on the requirements to register the organization as an official youth organization. Their lines are open for joint projects or collaborations with other organizations. According to them, several projects are in line, but are still to get approved by the executive committee.
Indeed, one’s passion to serve should not be limited just because of his age. With the members of Active Youth Engagement, countless lives have been given hope that at least in spite of the hardships that they are experiencing, a group of young individuals are ready to cross the barriers and prove that the youth are really the hope of the country.
Comentarios