Joesam as the Youth Convener in Region XII

 “I am indifferent. I don't care.”

This was once the stance of Joesam B. De Quia. However, having recently had the opportunity to converse with him, I can attest to his transformation. It is both inspiring and a source of pride to engage with a young individual like him, who is not merely a passive citizen but actively seeks to address issues and effect positive change in society.

De Quia pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English at Mindanao State University-GenSan. During our college years, he seemed indifferent to current issues, particularly those related to youth development. At that time, I knew he served as the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson in Barangay Laguimit, Glan Sarangani Province (from November 2007 to August 2010). 

He also held a position as an Administrative Staff Officer in the Local Government Unit of Sarangani in the Office of Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK). However, his passion for public service was not yet evident. I understood his position, as he was taking time to reflect on his true desires. Now, when I meet him, I see a burning desire to contribute to societal change.

"There's a difference between what you observe and what you experience," Joesam shares. 

He has immersed himself in various communities in Sarangani, researching and analyzing numerous issues, and interacting with people from all walks of life to understand the current problems of our country. His current role as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL), where his boss, Atty. Cyril John Rustico G. Yap, serves as the President and Regional Chairperson, provides him with a unique advantage. Joesam also works as a Legislative Staff Officer II in LGU-Sarangani. These positions enable him to present his proposals and resolutions in the province effectively.

At the 10th National Youth Parliament (NYP) held last May 15-18 in Manila, Joesam was appointed as the Regional Convener for Region XII and a member of the Regional Youth Advisory Council. "The NYP or Parliament of Youth Leaders is a 3-day convention of youth leaders held every two years. Here, policy recommendations are formulated to address youth issues, serving as the government's guide in policy formulation and program development. The convening of the NYP is provided under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8044, otherwise known as the 'Youth in Nation Building Act of 1995.'"

As a youth convener in Region XII, Joesam will convene various youth organizations, refine and monitor their advocacy plans, draft resolutions for youth development, and lobby these to the LGUs and other government agencies. He will also strive to find solutions to problems in health, education, employment, and youth participation as identified in the Youth Development Index. He and his team are advocating for a separate office that will cater to the youth sector (in Sarangani and other provinces), similar to the ongoing efforts of the Youth Affairs Development Office (YADO) in GenSan.

Joesam also harbors a deep affection for our Indigenous People (I.P.). He aims to improve their conditions and encourages them to assert their right to self-determination. 

"Sometimes they forget that they are IPs," Joesam observes. "They should be proud and value themselves as an IP," he asserts. 

Driven by his love for IPs, he has begun organizing IP youth in Sarangani to inform them about their rights and empower them. Given his Blaan heritage, I am confident that he will succeed in his advocacy for the IP youth.

Joesam's accomplishments are truly remarkable. At just 22 years old, this young man is brimming with a passion to serve the public. However, with such achievements inevitably come detractors.

"At first, I felt bad about these people talking behind my back," Joesam recalls. "I couldn't concentrate on work. It drained my energy. But as time went by, I learned to handle it well, as if they didn't exist. As long as I don't commit crimes against the government or the public, I continue to do my job properly and push my advocacies," Joesam affirms.

I greatly admire Joesam and other active youth involved in nation-building. Although some young people today show apathy towards societal issues, Joesam and others like him serve as an inspiration. With the help of Joesam and other proactive youth participating and contributing positive change in society, there is hope. The future of this country is not as bleak as we might imagine. As Jose Rizal once said, "The youth is the hope of our future."

-To read NYP resolutions please click this link

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