In a formal press release sent to PinoyWorld.org, the National Youth Commission is formally opening the application for the 9th National Youth Parliament.

Themed “Revolutionizing Youth Development”. the 9th NYP aims to:

formulate policy recommendations to address youth issues in the country. These recommendations are then lobbied to government leaders to be considered as proposed bills and administrative policies. It is important to note that during the event, participants also get to share ideas and gain valuable insights and networks to aid them in their youth development efforts.

National Youth Parliament 9 National Organizing Committee head NYC Commissioner Gio Tingson expects that this event becomes a platform for all Filipino youth to be proactive.

Interested applicants to the 9th NYP should be:

• Filipino citizen, aged 15 – 30 years old as of February 29, 2012
• Residing at the place of representation for at least six (6) months at the time of submission
• Must be a member of an organization
• Of good moral character
• Can contribute to the objectives of the 9th National Youth Parliament

Started in 1996, this years NYP is aimed to gather 200 youth representing different sectors. 9th NYP is slated to be held on the 1st week of May 2012. The venue of the said event will be announced in a future press release.

NYP is Youth in Nation Building

ACCORDING TO 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-building.”

In accordance with the Constitution, Republic Act 8044, otherwise known as the “Youth in Nation Building Act” was enacted to provide for the establishment of a National Youth Commission (NYC) and a “National Comprehensive and Coordinated Program in the Development of Youth in Nation Building.” The NYC, as the sole policy making and coordinating body of all youth-related policies and programs of the government, is mandated to initiate and undertake a consultative mechanism through the institutionalization of a National Youth Parliament, conferring upon the Commission the function of choosing the delegates to the said forum.

The Youth Parliament shall be a venue for young men and women to participate in the national decision-making processes of the -government. The proceedings, declarations and resolutions of the parliament will guide the Commission in its undertakings and will be incorporated in the government’s Medium Term Youth Development Program (MTYDP) to be formulated by the Commission. The Parliament will be convened every two years with a regular session for two to three days every time that it is convened. It may form task forces which may meet during the period between the convening thereof (Sec. 13, R.A. 8044).

Deadline of sending of application: February 29, 2012

For more details about NYP9 visit the nearest NYC office, or check the NYC website (www.nyc.gov.ph). You can also e-mail nyp9@nyc.gov.ph or call (02) 416-2833, 416-3415, 413-5503 or 416-3570.

Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office and Central Temple located in Quezon City, Philippines

Every 27th of July, the Philippines officially celebrate a working holiday in commemoration to the founding of one of the Philippines respected religious organization, the “Iglesia Ni Cristo Day”.

“Iglesia Ni Cristo Day” as a national working holiday is signed into law on July 7, 2009 by virtue of Republic Act 9645.

Section 2 of Republic Act 9645 states that: “It is the declared policy of the State to observe the founding anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo every 27th of July in recognition of its exemplary feat of leading its members towards spiritual enlightenment and good citizenry.”

For more information about Iglesia Ni Cristo 97th Anniversary Celebration and Iglesia Ni Cristo Day, you can visit the nearest Iglesia Ni Cristo house of worship near you.