Travel Advisory for YES4ESD Participants in Calapan City

(YES 4 ESD) April 27-28, 2009, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Youth and Educators Summit for Education for Sustainable Development

FINAL LIST OF DELEGATES

1. Dr. Emiliana V. Tadeo Head of the Delaegation, UNAP VPI
2. Dr. Rosalinda S. Zambrano UNAP Treasurer and Board Member
3. Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr. Resource Speaker, UNESCO Coordinator
4. Prof. Bert Tuga Facilitator, UNAP Executive Director
5. Prof. Ma. Eljie Mabunga UNESCO ASP Coordinator
6. Prof. Mario Paul Luna UNAP Universidad de Zamboanga
7. Dr. Gilberto B. Ocampo Colegio De San Juan De Letran, Laguna
8. Nathaniel E. Villafuerte UNYAP SK, Brgay. Silonay, Calapan City
9. Randymax M. Bulaquit UNYAP St. Paul University, Tuguegarao City
10. Jervin Dale Formoso UNYAP UNP, Vigan City
11. Angelito B. Veloso UNYAP Philippine Normal University – Manila
12. Angelo V. Manarang UNYAP Lyceum of the Philippines - Manila
13. Frennie Rose F. Delos Reyes UNYAP Pamatasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
14. Dean Klayford V. Bongat UNYAP Pamatasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
15. Rubie S Dasmarinas UNYAP Colegio San Agustin - Makati City
16. Mazen B. Khayat (Muslim) UNYAP Emilio Aguinaldo College – Manila
17. Angelo Cabigting UNYAP Isabela Chapter
18. Anna Lou Carreon UNYAP Colegio De Sta Rosa, Laguna
19. Juan Paolo R. Vico UNYAP Pateros Technological University
20. Armieyah d. Ayob UNYAP Cagayan De Oro Chapter

Important Travel Information:

The workshop will be held on April 27-28, 2009 at St. Benedictine Nuns Formation Center, Salong, Calapan City. UNESCO will shoulder food (two days) and accommodation (one night only 27th of April). You will also receive certificate of participation and workshop handouts. If you intent to arrive early on the 26th of April, you will need to pay additional 200.00 for the lodging.

UNYAP and UNAP delegation decided to depart Manila on April 26, 2009, Sunday at 1:00 PM. Meeting place is at the Batangas Star Express Bus Station located at the corner of Buendia and Taft Avenue near the LRT Station. You will take the bus bound for Batangas Pier. It will cost 170.00 one way. Bring your student ID for discounts. From Batangas Pier, you will take Super Cat at 255.00. You will pay 30.00 for the terminal fee. Upon reaching Calapan Pier, go to the main entrance gate to get a tricycle for the St. Benedictine Nuns Formation Center, Salong (15.00 one person). It will only take you 10 minutes to reach the convent. There will be no dinner on April 26, 2009. There are carinderia near the convent (10 minutes walk). The food is cheap for only 60.00 per order.

Things to bring:

Please bring towel, toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste). The weather in Calapan is erratic, you might need to bring umbrella, caps or jacket. Bring clothes for warm weather. No need for formal attire. You might want to bring Bonamine, sometimes the sea current is strong that will cause dizziness for passenger not accustomed to boat rides.

Contact Persons:

For those joining the UNYAP/UNAP Delegation on April 26 Departure to Calapan

Angelo V. Manarang – UNYAP NCR President 090521330488
Angelito Veloso - UNESCO Club of PNU 09277166380

Problems while in Calpan? Contact the City College of Calapan

Dr. Rene M Colocar – UNESCO ASP National Coordinator - 09178982644

A friendly Reminder from: Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr.

UNAP/UNYAP Signs MOA with World Creative Youth

CHR to lead MOA signing with WCYF and Partners

The Commission of Human Rights (CHR), with the steadfast administration of Commissioner Leila de Lima, will lead the formal signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the organizers of the First World Creative Youth Forum lead by Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD) together with other key partners of the event.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement will be held on April 24, 2009, Friday, 11 in the morning at the Commission of Human Rights Building, Quezon City of which a presentation of the forum details and a tree planting activity within the Commission grounds will also be scheduled.

Certainly, as the sole government agency that functions on investigating all forms of human rights violations in the Philippines, the CHR also aims to incorporate education, primarily on the youth, with their corporal and moral rights, of which falls as one of the sub-themes of the WCYF.

Among other partners who will be present at the MOA signing are: United Nations Association of the Philippines and their youth counterpart the UNYAP, Manila Bulletin, Shangri-La Plaza, Generation Peace Network, Hapinoy, Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment, YSDA-Pilipinas, Teatro Sambisig, Young Leaders Alliance of Rizal, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Youth Commission, Department of Energy-PELMATP-UNDP, Department of Tourism, Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), Metro Manila Development Authority, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Rotaract Club of AMA Computer University, World March for Peace, Partido Kalikasan and more.

This forum will be held on May 5-10, 2009 at the UPNPAG University of the Philippines, Quezon City and participated by almost 200 local and international delegates. The World Creative Youth Forum aims to promote the United Nation’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development for 2005-2014 and focuses on the theme: Education for Sustainable Development with sub-themes on Peace & Human Rights, Climate Change, Sustainable Lifestyle, Social Entrepreneurship and Ethical Living & Technology.

To learn more about the forum, visit www.worldcreativeyouthforum.com

From YES4MDG to YES4ESD: An Invitation, April 27-28, 2009, Calapan City, Mindoro

Dear UN Advocates,

On behalf of UNESCO National Commission for UNESCO and the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), we would like to convey our deep gratitude for your continuing cooperation with us through the YES 4 MDGs project and International Youth Day conference.

This year, we have developed a project on ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) with an aim of promoting awareness of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in the Philippines. Further encouraging ASPnet teachers, UNAP/UNYAP members to develop and share ESD/MDGs educational practices and methods and promoting interactions among young people in the Philippines.

Following UNESCO HQ’s initiative on First Collection of Good Practices for Quality Education in 2008 and UNAPs Youth Empowerment Series for MDGs we would like to continue and build on this positive momentum this year. The following topics will be discussed:

1. UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
2. YES 4 MDGs – Action Plans and Priorities
3. UNYAP Plan of Action for the 10th IYD
4. Delegation to the WFUNA World Congress in Korea on August 10-13, 2009

In this regard, we would like to invite you to our activity entitled “YES4ESD” (Young Educators Seminar for Education for Sustainable Development) to share your expertise and present the current situation of ASPnet/ UNYAP activities in your own school, with focus on ESD and MDG education. This activity will be held on April 27-28, 2009 at St. Benedictine Nuns Formation Center, Salong, Calapan City. If you accept our invitation, UNESCO will cover all costs concerning foods (for two days) and accommodations for one (1) night only. Please send the attached reply slip on or before April 15, 2009 at sarviola2002@yahoo.com.

For further information, please contact the undersigned at mobile no. 09154350900 or Ms. Jo Esqueta, UNESCO National Commission, G/F Department of Foreign Affairs Building 2350 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City with Tel. No. (632) 834-3447/834-4887. Thank you very much!



Sincerely yours,


Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr.
UNAP Board of Director for Youth Services
Director, Center for Linkages and Extension Services
Philippine Normal University

Search for MDG Youth Champion - Deadline July 24, 2009 - Last Day of Submission of Nomination

Philippines behind 3 development targets By : Llanesca T. Panti, Reporter | Manila Times 17 December 2008 | 12:10 AM

Much needs to be done in order for the Philippines to meet the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations, a UN official in Manila said Tuesday.

Suneeta Mukherjee, chairman of the UN Advocacy Group and country representative of UN Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Manila, said the Philippines is not on track in meeting three of the eight goals—the ones on maternal health, on combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and on achieving universal primary education. The other millennium development goals are eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development.

The advocacy group is comprised of UN officials posted in Manila, who launched on Tuesday a search for an MDG youth champion, a project with the Rotary Club of Makati Legaspi.

Mukherjee said 11 mothers die during childbirth everyday in the Philippines. Ten of these mothers could be saved, she added. “Women, just like the unborn child, have the right to live,” said Mukherjee, who first visited the Philippines in 1977. She called for a concentrated effort from the Department of Health, stressing that it needs to educate parents about a proper family planning program to stop the maternal-death cases, saying that mothers who usually die in giving birth bear six children during their lifetime. “This situation forgets how special parents are,” Mukherjee said. “Mothers are crucial in teaching the children the values that they need to improve not only themselves but moreover their country.”

Abortions on the rise

Worse, Mukherjee added that one-third of mothers are committing abortion, with increasing cases involving mothers age 25 years and younger. “This is a clear violation of women and children’s rights. Abortion should not be done under all circumstances,” she said. She also hit the reversal of trend with regard to HIV positive or AIDS victims, saying that of 23 million young Filipinos, four million have already engaged in sex at a young age. That may explain why HIV cases involving the youth went up 29 percent, she added, citing also that a third of young women gave birth before their 21st birthday.

The UN official also reported that the carefree lifestyle of young people today that includes drinking and smoking is not doing any good. Around nine million young Filipinos smoke and 11 million drink alcoholic beverages, she said, adding that five out of six youth either smoke or drink. “We cannot afford to be complacent because the future of the country depends on these young ones,” Mukherjee said. And to help them become the hope of the country, she said young people receive quality education to provide them with knowledge and information needed to make better life decisions.

Today, only 58 percent of Filipino children have access to primary education, far short of the 100-percent target, the UN official added, “There is just seven years to go” until the deadline in 2015. But Mukherjee said she believed the Philippines and the other countries that committed to the development goals are capable of overcoming the challenges, even amid the global financial crisis.

Youth champion

The advocacy group and the Rotary Club of Makati Legaspi will select eight MDG champions, who will be announced in March 2009. Winners will receive an Orlina or Abueva glass sculpture, scholarship grant, study tour to the UN general headquarters in New York City, a slot in the third Asia and the Pacific Model UN Conference and a grant to travel around the Philippines as UN goodwill ambassadors. Faustino Almendral, president of Rotary Club of Makati Legaspi, said, “We are happy to be a part of this project, because the Rotary Club’s goals’ are almost the same as those of the MDGs.”
Brief Background: Search for MDGs Youth Champion
In the Millenium Summit held in 2000, 189 world leaders adopted the UN Millenium Declaration promoting the 8 goals to help developing countries improve their socioeconomic conditions. The Philippines is one of the signatories. After 10 years of the Declaration, the achievement of the MDGs by 2015 is paramount. It is in this connection that this search is being undertaken. Its purposes are:

1. To select 8 youth champions for each of the MDGs. Each shall embody the respective MDG that he/she will promote and advocate.
2. To be able to reach the grassroots through the MDG Youth Champions who will actively collaborate with the LGU's to mobilize and create change in the lives of the Filipinos and realize the MDGs by 2015.
3. To work with all sectors of society - the Government, NGA's, NSA's, CSO's, GOCC, Religious and the Academe in the realization of the MDGs.
4. To measure the quantifiable statistics accomplished through the influence of the MDG Youth Champions.

Who Can be an MDG Youth Champion?
An individual duly nominated by an institution or association with the following qualifications:

1. Must be a Filipino Citizen
2. 18 to 35 years old
3. An emdodiment of a community role model who can positively promote the MDG.
4. He/She must be articulate, in written or oral communication.
5. He/She must be willing to travel around the Philippines for from 2009-2010 as the MDG Champion.
6. He/She must be able to inspire people to take action and create positive change in their lives and communities.
7. He/She must be well-versed about the MDGs and the mandate of the UN.

Who May Nominate?
Any institution or non-state association may nominate at most three youth champions.
Who are the Partners in this Search?


The UN agencies, UNAP Institutional Members, NGA's, LGU's, NSA's (Corporations with CSR), CSO's, GOCC's, the Government, Media, World Bank, AD, Religious and Academic Institutions.
Role of each Partner
A MOA signed amongst partners will outline the role of each partner.
What will the Champion Gain?

1. An Orlina Glass Sculpture or an Abueva Sculpture
2. Scholarship Grant
3. Study Tour to UNHQ
4. Automatic Delegate to the Asia-Pacific Model UN Assembly
5. Free Travel around the Philippines

Length of the Champions' tour of Duty

The Champions selected will serve until October 2010.

Who will be the Judges in the Search?

They will be selected from multi-disciplinary fields.

Manner of Judging

1. Preliminary Screening based on all submitted documents
2. Nationwide extemporaneous speaking contest on the MDGs as the first elimination round for all the nominees to select the 3 semi-finalists for each MDG.
3. Semi-Finalists will undergo final selection through a panel interview by the Final Judges.

Calendar of Search Activities

December 16, 2008 - Soft Launch

December 16-July 24, 2009 – Information Dissemination/Campaign and Search

July 24, 2009 - Last day of submission of Nominations

July 24-27, 2009 - Collation of all Nominations

July 28-August 5, 2009 - Preliminary Screening

August 6-8, 2009 – Notification of Selected Semi-Finalists

August 9 – Announcement of Semi-Finalists

at the Closing Ceremonies of the International Youth Day Convention

August 20-September 10, 2009 Nationwide Extemporaneous Speaking Contest of All Semi-Finalist

September 17, 2009 – Announcement of Finalists

September 18, 2009 – Notification of Finalists for Panel Interview

September 23-October 6, 2009 – Final Judging

October 7-8, 2009 – Notification of Champions

October 20, 2009 or any day during the UN week celebration –

Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat

Announcement of Champions

Start of the Youth Champions Tour of Duty until October 2013

MDG Projects

Sustainable projects that will result from the information dissemination campaign of the MDG Youth Champions will be done as separate activities to fast-track the realization of the MDGs by 2015.

Submission of Nomination

Institutions or associations may send in their nominations for an MDG Youth Champion to represent any of the eight Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) on or before MArch 4, 2009 by completing the nomination form. Each institution or organization may nominate a maximum of three.

Nomination form: www.unicmanila.org/downloads/MDGNOMFORM.doc

For more info, contact;

United Nations Association of the Philippines

2nd Floor, 11 West Building, West Capitol Drive, Pasig City

Tel. No.: 634-2950

Website: www.unap1947.org

Multiply Site: mdgyouthchampion.multiply.com

Email: mdgyouthchampion@yahoo.com

YES 4 MDGs Commences in Calapan City

In partnership with the City College of Calapan through its dynamic College Administrator, Dr. Rene Colocar, UNAP and UNVP conducted the first YES 4 MDGs training last January 31 to February 1 in Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental.

The training was attended by youth, student and teacher participants from several schools in Calapan City. The opening program was graced by Dr. Rene Colocar, Dr. Felisa Florendo, Board Member, UNAP, and Mr. Hiroyuki Takita, Programme Officer, UNVP.

Prof. Serafin Arviola discussed the Progress of the Millennium Development Goals: The Youth Challenge and Leadership and Volunteerism. He was followed by Dr. Michelle Cabreros, Doctors to the Barrio Program, DOH in her topic, Status Report of HIV Infections among Young People in the Philippines. After her, Tieza Santos and Katrina Wy from ASHOKA Youth Venture talked about Social Entrepreneurship. Ms. Corazon Macaraig also tackled the Volunteer Practices in the Philippines. Finally, Prof. Bert Tuga facilitated the participants in the formulation of youth declaration for HIV/AIDS-Free Philippines.

One of the highlights of the training was the solidarity night celebrated with a bonfire. Selected participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers for the opportunities given to them. Likewise, they affirmed to continuously share the spirit of service and volunteerism to their fellowmen.

UNP, Vigan City hosts YES 4 MDGs

After its successful initial training in Calapan City, UNVP and UNAP in coordination with the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) through Dr. Fatima Rocamora conducted the second YES for MDGs training held on February 12-13, 2009 at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

The Opening program was attended by the Hon. Eva Marie S. Medina, City Mayor (represented by Mrs. Alquiza); Dr. Angelica Abella, Vice-President, UNAP; Mr. Hiroyuki Takita, Programme Officer, UNVP; and Ms. Irene Volante from Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).

Prof. Serafin Arviola delivered the Progress of the Millennium Development Goals: The Youth Challenge and Leadership and Volunteerism. Dr. Winnie Lorraine Umali, Doctors to the Barrio Program, discussed the Socio-cultural Dimensions of HIV Infections among Young People in the Philippines. Ms. Tieza Santos and Katrina Wy from ASHOKA Youth Venture tackled about Social Entrepreneurship. Ms. Irene Volante lectured on the Volunteer Practices in the Philippines. Finally, Prof. Bert Tuga facilitated the participants in the formulation of youth declaration for HIV/AIDS-Free Philippines. The participants, with some modifications, adopted the declaration made in Calapan City.

On the last day, the participants and speakers toured around the significant sites in the UNESCO national heritage. They also visited the Baluarte Zoo of Former Governor Luis Chavit Singson. Kudos UNP! Hail Vigan!

YES 4 MDGs! in Cadiz City

Volunteerism for Development – gaining momentum with Filipino youth


The Event

On February 27-28, 2009 the Philippine Normal University (PNU) in Cadiz City hosted the third Youth Empowerment Series for the Millennium Development Goals (YES 4 MDGs).

It covered many topics including:

· the Philippine Progress Report on the MDGs
· volunteerism
· HIV/AIDS prevention
· leadership
· youth entrepreneurship.

The sessions were led by multi-sectoral teams with members from the UN Volunteers programme, the United Nations Associations of the Philippines (UNAP), the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), and other non-governmental organizations.

When talking about bottom-up efforts in achieving the MDGs Professor Rene C. Romero from the Philippine Normal University in Manila stated emphatically, “Kaya ng’ Pinoy, Kaya Natin ‘to (Filipinos can, we can).” Professor Romero is known as an advocate for sustainable, integrated development rooted in communities.

“Many young people have been raised to be passive and to live in their comfort zones,” said Elvie Jo Robis, Sustainability Program Officer of Zone One Tondo Inc. (ZOTO), in an address to enthusiastic young leaders. “We must put an end to our indifference, open our eyes to social issues and take action.”

John Alexiz Uo, a student from Chiang Kai Shek College, echoed Robis saying “We should recognize the importance of contraceptive use along with the traditional reminder of abstinence from sexual intercourse in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.”

According to Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr, Training Director of YES 4 MDGs, many attendees expressed support for the Youth Empowerment Series with much positive feedback.


Quotes by Youth Empowerment Series attendees

“YES 4 MDGs has increased the volunteer spirits within myself not only to help other people but also to lead other people.” – Marcos P. Melicano, Maritime University in Iloilo

“I realized that how youth can be a great help in this country through voluntary action and leadership that go hand in hand.” – Arnold P. Palencia, Maritime University
“It is important for the youth to be involved not only in their schools but also in communities. Being a youth leader myself, we should encourage other students to help the less privileged by rendering our volunteer service to the community wholeheartedly. In this way, we also learn the problems that our community faces.” – Mariegeil S. Milaran, the Philippine Normal University Cadiz

“YES 4 MDGs enabled me to realize our potentials in guiding and empowering others to take action, in helping alleviate global problems through voluntary action.” – Jenie C. Mahilum, Technological University of the Philippines, Visayas

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a set of targets aimed to:

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;
Achieve universal primary education;
Promote gender equality and empower women;
Reduce child mortality;
Improve maternal health;
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases;
Ensure environmental sustainability; and
Global partnership for development.

Endorsed by 189 heads of governments in 2000, the MDGs are a road map for building a better world for all by the year 2015.

The United Nations Volunteers programme is inspired by the conviction that volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and by the idea that everyone can contribute their time and energy towards peace and development.

With partners, UNV advocates for volunteerism, integrates volunteerism into development planning and mobilizes volunteers. The enormous potential of volunteerism is an inspiration to UNV and to volunteers around the world. Delivering on that potential is UNV’s mission.

For more information, contact:

Hiroyuki Takita (Mr.), UNV Programme Officer
Tel: (02) 889-7550
Email: hiroyuki.takita@undp.org
Website: http://www.unv-ph.org/

Who We Are?

What is UNYAP?

The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) is the recognized official youth-arm of the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP). UNYAP is an organization run for and by young people. The name of the UNAP youth arm before was Youth for United Nations (YFUN) which was established in the year 2000. In 2008 as per guidelines from the World Federation of United Nations –Youth (WFUNA-Youth). The name UNYA was officially adopted and recognized by UNAP.

UNYAP places school students, young professionals, and even other youth sector at the center of the intrigue and excitement of international affairs in mock sessions of United Nations bodies, exposes them to world-class speakers on a myriad of topic and provides social events to allow young people to develop their skills both educationally and socially. United Nations Youth Associations are a great way to teach about the United Nations, and get other youth involved in understanding and sharing the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter. UNYAs are usually youth wings of United Nations Associations (UNAs), which currently exist in around 100 countries worldwide. The organizations provide the fertile ground for youth empowerment, education, networking, and also have social components that combine to be a lot of fun and present excellent development opportunities!

WFUNA-Youth Rules of Procedures

“Rule 4- UNAs and UN Youth Associations in WFUNA-youth”

1.A UNA can transfer its rights and responsibilities outlined in the following rules to the national UN Youth Association if such an organisation exists in the respective country. It informs the WFUNA-youth Coordinating Committee of such a decision.

2.When referring to UNAs in these Rules of Procedures only such UNAs are meant that are members of WFUNA.

“Rule 5- Membership in WFUNA-youth

Membership in WFUNA-youth is open only to UNAs. Rule 4 applies to this regulation.

Clearly only UNA has the exclusive right to organize UNYA of the country. In this particular case UNA Philippines for UNYA Philippines. Therefore, to be a member of UNYAP you have to be a member of UNAP. No other organization/ association can claim ownership to the name UNYAP.

UNYAP 5-Point Agenda

• Increase the level of the youth awareness of the United Nations while emphasizing a global perspective;
• Facilitate discussion and debate on a diverse range of issues through regular communication and activities;
• Provide inspiration and opportunities for youth to realize their full potential as decision makers; and
• Serve as a voice for youth within the United Nations with regards to policies, actions and structural change.
• Promote the Millenium Development Goals and to support existing UN programs

Core Airms of UNYAP

• Educate young people and the community about the work of the United Nations;
• Empower young people to get involved in international affairs and civil society;
• Represent the views of young people at a local, national and international level; and,
• Act as forum for young people to network and socialize.

Activities of UNYAP

In more practical terms, UNYA aims to develop students’ skills in vital areas such as public speaking, debating, negotiating, research, social interaction and leadership. UNYA assists young people by broadcasting their horizons not only on current global issues, but also on their own ability to solve problems and tackle challenges. The community benefits by having a larger pool of focused, motivated and skilled young leaders. UNYAs conduct a variety of activities, some of which are:

• Model United Nations, a mock Security Council for High School students (not unlike a competitive debate);
• Conferences (local, national and international) - these often have a Model United Nations component as well as leadership, education and representation;
• Education packages or programmes run for primary and secondary school students, informing other young people about the United Nations and international affairs.;
• Speakers events and panel discussions;
• Social events, movie nights, fundraisers.