March 7, 2012

Youth Should Dream Big, Make Philippines a Better Place

“With my condition, I didn’t even dream of going to Catubig. But no one is small, weak or insignificant to make the Philippines a better place to live in,” said Former Isabela Governor Grace Padaca in her visit to universities in Northern and Western Samar on March 6-7, 2012.

Padaca has been giving talks in universities around the country as part of Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (KN Movement) Good Governance Caravan. Padaca is one of the “Champions” of KN Movement, an organization that seeks genuine change by pushing for transparent and accountable government and an empowered citizenry. KN Champions visit schools to discuss effective leadership and encourage youth participation in socio-political activities.

Padaca has been stricken with polio as a child, but her physical limitation did not stop her from instigating the change that her province sought. She ran as governor in 2004 and toppled the dynasty that ruled Isabela for 40 years. In her dialogue with students, she shared that there will always be situations that will question one’s values. “The best thing to do is go back to the basics and be honest and truthful,” Padaca emphasized. She told her young audience that they can already contribute to good governance even at their age – involvement in school organizations is a way to build leadership and teamwork, and they can be active citizens by reporting irregularities that they see in their communities.

The Good Governance Caravan was in five universities in Visayas and will be brought to more schools nationwide. It is supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), a German political foundation that promotes participatory democracy, human rights and free trade.