National Youth Commission (Philippines)

The National Youth Commission (Filipino: Pambansang Komisyon sa Kabataan), also known as the NYC, is a government agency in the Philippines that specifically addresses issues surrounding the Filipino youth. It was founded on June 30, 1995, via Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act.

The NYC is the Philippine government's sole policy-making body on youth affairs, but also coordinates and implements some programs designed to help the youth be more aware of the issues surrounding them. Its NYC mandate is enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution: "The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism; and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs."

Since 1995, NYC releases the Philippine Medium Term Youth Development Plan (MTYDP) which is a product of desk reviews and series of consultations on young Filipino's issues and concerns with representatives of youth and youth serving organizations. The youth's perception on issues, (outlined in Youth Attributes, Participation and Service Providers' or YAPS), that affect them have served as important inputs in crafting the MTYDP. The MTYDP serves as a guiding framework for youth development and empowerment. It outlines steps that will help concretize what the youth themselves desire. The plan is a broad guide for action, and young Filipinos play a very important role in ensuring that the recommended policies, programs, and courses of actions are carried out.

The Government Internship Program (GIP) is NYC’s contribution to the poverty alleviation program of the government. NYC arranges for other government agencies and private companies to hire out-of-school, unemployed youth as interns who receive a monthly stipend that is 75% of the minimum wage.

The commission also provides a National Secretariat to the Sangguniang Kabataan and convenes the National Youth Parliament every two years. The NYP is a 3-day convention of youth leaders wherein policy recommendations are formulated to address youth issues, and serve as the government’s guide in policy formulation and program development. Started in 1996, youth leaders gather every two years to share ideas and gain valuable insights and networks to aid them in their youth development efforts.

NYC also implements the annual Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP), a cultural exchange program that started in 1974 as a joint statement between ASEAN member countries and Japan. Participated by young people from these countries, the program’s objective is to promote friendship and mutual understanding.

The Commission is also one of the organizers of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO)-- the country's premier search for outstanding youth groups. TAYO is implemented together with the Office of Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and the TAYO Awards Foundation which is headed by Bam Aquino.

NYC Main Office is at the 4th Floor, Bookman Building, 373 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Direct Lines: 448-7330 -Chairman & CEO, 448-7440 -Executive Director & COO, 448-7669-AFD, 781-2372 - RYDD, 416-2833 - SMD, 415-4901 -PRMED, 448-7901 - COA, 411-0384 - OED Trunk Lines: 416-3415, 413-5503, 416-3570

External links

• National Youth Commission Philippines website
• Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations
• Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan