Project Citizen enhances students’ commitment to dynamic citizenship and governance
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Sorsogon Province (March 17) — Given the chance to responsibly participate in our constitutional democracy, young people can enjoy the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizenship and good governance.
This was proven anew by the top five student team finalists screened from twenty public schools here, following the final showcase of Project Citizen (PC): Promoting Democratic Values in the Province of Sorsogon that was held recently in this province.
Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy (PCCED) Corporate Secretary and PC Program Manager Monica Ang said that the Project Citizen helps high school students learn how to express their opinions, how to decide which level of government and which agency is most appropriate for dealing with problems they identify, and how to influence policy decisions at that level.
“The students work cooperatively with their respective team members along with their teachers and adult volunteers as they identify the problem to study, gather information, examine solutions, develop public policy positions and create action plans,” she said.
The results of the team’s work were displayed in a portfolio which they presented during the Project Citizen Final Showcase.
Bagging the top prize was PC Team from Gubat National High School in Gubat town with the team’s desire to save the dying pottery industry of Brgy. Paradijon, Gubat. They propose the active intervention of the LGU by activating a Barangay small and medium enterprise council to assist local potters revive an industry that has long been the pride of their town.
Other finalists were PC team from Barcelona National Comprehensive High School in Barcelona town who took notice of the unfortunate status of the Barcelona Park recommending to the Sangguniang Bayan for the park to be submitted to the National Historical Institute to be declared as a historical site; PC Team of Beguin National High School in Gubat town which brings to the public’s attention the rampant effect of illegal logging; PC Team from Alcoba National High School in Bulan town which takes an active contribution in the global efforts against climate change through proper solid waste management; and the PC team from Matnog National High School in Matnog town which illustrates the sad plight of “Mga Batang Sisid Barya” risking their lives to dive for the coins thrown from ships at Matnog Ferry Terminal and proposes policies that shows compassion for the kid’s future.
Ang said that for young students, learning experiences in democratic participation need not be confined to those associated with governance of classrooms and schools.
“The skills and knowledge needed for competent and responsible citizenship participation associated with government at the local, state and national levels can be taught even at the school levels,” she said.
“Engaging young people in the issues that directly affect them will help them develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be effective citizens throughout their lives,” she further added.
Project Citizen is realized through the partnerships of Zabalketa, Center for Research and Communication, Gipuzkoako Foru Aldundia Diputacion Foral de Gipuzkoa, Philipine Center for Civic Education and Democracy, Department of Education and the Provincial Government of Sorsogon. (PIA Sorsogon)