Advocacy rings a bell

Rep. Gilbert Remulla’s talk on Youth and Politics enlightened and motivated the audience to participate in politics. He was invited to speak by the AIESEC, the world’s largest student organization. Remulla was president of AIESEC for two years.

At the beginning of his forum, he asked the young Lasallians if they are already registered voters. Unfortunately, not even half of the room is registered. (Perhaps, most of the participants are 17 years old and below). Remulla said “You have no right to criticize the government if you do not register to vote.”

Throughout the course of the discussion, Remulla was keep on saying the word “advocacy”. He challenged the youth to advocate for something. While he was explaining this, I heard students at the back that they encountered the word for the first time. One even whispered,”I don’t even know what advocacy means.”

The term advocacy became part of my value system when I run for news editor in 2004. Although I encountered the word in grade school as “adhikain” (the Filipino version), I only understood it’s essence when I lobby and fight for something in the University: to strengthen the student rights and make decisions in favor of students. Later, Economics professor Bombit Largoza explained that advocacy is something that you lobby for to improve the systems in an institution. It may comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.

When I served as editor in chief of The LaSallian, my advocacy became more stronger and communal. I participate in student leadership conventions and suggest programs to improve relationships and programs in the University. Upon internalizing the meaning of advocacy, I made my own definition of the word:” It is a working vision that is tuned to fight for a cause.” It doesn’t simply take a reactive but a pro-active stand in a given issue.

Going back to the forum, the congressman asked again the students if they have advocacies for the country. Modesty aside, I was the only participant who raised a hand to proudly tell that I am into the protection of environment. Though I have no formal affiliation with environmental organizations, I study the effects of global warming and the implication of this in our country. (But I joined an organization of artists who cleaned the map relief in Luneta).

His challenge turned stronger when he realized the seemingly silent mode of the audience. Does this reflect the apathy of Lasallians or are they too young to participate in political discussions? When he asked if the audience are aware of current issues such as Hello Garci, the political killings, and the Fertilizer scam, the audience responded with conviction. Lasallians are aware, but do they discuss these issues and do something? Looking back, Remulla wished he has been more active in politics when he was in college – the formative stage of the young.

Having an advocacy doesn’t necessarily mean that we join the left or right quadrant of politics. There are non-political affiliations such as environment agencies, women’s rights, animal care, business institutions and any other social spheres that may interest the youth. If one is into business, he/she may advocate for social entrepreneurship. The list goes on…

These are the last words of Remulla: “Start coming in. Bring new ideas and we welcome it. Find your advocacy. Get involved in government and know what you want. Hopefully, you become responsible citizens of the country.” Hopefully…