Advocacy: Transformative Education through Leadership for the Youth 

I am a proud product of the University of Caloocan City, a free, open-access and equal opportunity granted by the local government. I graduated with a degree in Political Science, and proudly as a dean’s lister. I’m currently in the legal field and in a renowned law firm. Hence, the inspiration of what I’m advocating in the Miss Caloocan stage.

Transformative Education is a modern approach type of learning adapted by globally-competitive youth and first-world countries. It focuses on individualistic traits of every learner and acknowledges differences and specialties in every child, rather than standardizing education it harnesses their interest and passion more than the practicality of other professions. How can these be made possible?

First, through “Learning Drives” initiated by professionals as volunteers, A lot of citizens in Caloocan are in-fact successful in various fields (medical science, social science, legal, arts and culture, etc.) through said drives, aside from imparting their learning’s on their areas of expertise, they stood as role models for the youth, that a once batang Kankaloo is capable of thriving in the real world.

Second, is through conducting “Long-term Programs with the help of the Sangguniang Kabataan”, a bad publicity is intertwined with the name of SK, phrases such as “puro pa-liga”, “puro pa-pageant” are only few things we heard running on the internet. What if I tell you that we can make the tables turn and make it as an advantage? The thing is, youth joining in the said activities are passionate enough. Aside from short-term programs, the local government of Caloocan could make this as a starting line for long-term ones, like creating a sports unit not just in schools but city-wide, where training is focused and consistent, or like camps or official organizations funded by the city, a public library for the researchers, an auditorium for the performers, a freedom museum for the artists and many more. This could create a major training ground for every competent and well-versed Batang Kankaloo we delegate to represent the city, and who knows, starting from here, they could represent the Philippines, we just have to fund and invest in their dreams.


Third, this is where leadership comes, a “Voter’s Education; their Rights and their Obligations” seminars will be mandatorily provided to everyone, not just the youth, but everyone. We think ahead of the future. We do not simply harness talent; we harness future leaders and preachers as well. The legacy we started will not end if we teach them that the future shall not be feared because a Batang Kankaloo is always prepared.

Through education, a lot of major problems will be prevented; violence against women and children, abuse of animals, lack of awareness in mental health, environmental issues, and a lot more. A school is where we start to not just teach academics but also build their moralities. We have the power, as a government by the people, to extend the opportunities circulating in schools outside the four corners of the classroom, if we would just help each other, and always visualize for a better future. It starts here, with one voice, and a thousand of eyes will open.