In an era where the slogan “self-care” is often overemphasized and misunderstood, there is a need to teach young people the importance of having advocacies. They should not get too focused on the slogans “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) and “work hard, party harder.” There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. In fact, the genuine concept of self-care ensures one’s well-being first so that he or she can contribute to the betterment of the community. It simply reminds us that we cannot give what we do not have – that we cannot help those in need if we ourselves need rescuing.
But my column today is not about self-care nor YOLO. It is about having a voice and being heard. This world needs more champions. This world needs more champions. We have to teach our children the importance of having advocacies – of taking a stand and fighting for valid and meaningful causes.”
While I admire young professionals who are career-driven and make time to reward themselves for their diligence and commitment at work, I also pray that they see beyond their needs, career goals, and personal satisfaction. There is a bigger world outside of one’s bubble. There are societal problems that need to be addressed, and sectors that, until today, are not given much attention, and sadly, many that remain unheard. Case in point: indigenous peoples. This group still encounters discrimination and exclusion from political and economic spheres, being stripped of their ancestral lands and lacking resources for survival (Tierney & Bokoff, 2015). Cultural minorities remain disproportionately represented among the poorest, the illiterate, and the destitute.
Social activist and indigenous rights fighter Abdon Nababan, who is also the secretary general of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) in Indonesia, was quoted in an article emphasizing that although the exclusion of indigenous peoples from most societies’ power structures results in being cut off from basic social services and mainstream income generation, they should not be treated or viewed as helpless victims.
I strongly agree! They are not victims; they are simply deprived of platforms where they can be seen and heard. This is also the reason why Mailyn Francisco, a proud Ata, is spearheading the College of Education’s advocacy that focuses on the cultural preservation and education of Ata tribes, particularly in Negros Occidental.
Mailyn of Sitio Manara, Barangay Celestino Villacin, Cadiz City caught my attention as I entered the room where she and three other advocacy champions were waiting to be interviewed by mainstream and digital journalists, as well as student journalists. Her physical attributes and cheerful personality made her stand out. When she spoke, her conviction and passion for every word she uttered were palpable in the venue. Her answers clearly stemmed from her personal experiences as a member of a cultural minority that is often marginalized.
“I am forwarding this cause because I want not only for my culture to be recognized and respected, but also for it to be preserved and not reach extinction. I am a testament to the existence of the Ata tribe, and I know that there are many of us. Our community leaders are continuing initiatives to collaborate with the government to ensure that our sector receives the support it needs,” said Mailyn.
Psychology student Tatiana Pono of the College of Arts & Sciences emphasized the need to provide adequate support services to single mothers, speaking from her own experience as a daughter raised by a solo parent. Tatiana underscored that she will ensure their advocacies are sustainable. She advocates for income-generating activities for solo moms.
“I will not only provide the materials and equipment they need to my community, but I will also focus on imparting the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the project’s sustainability. Our goal is that through the sessions we conduct with the solo mothers of Barangay Guimpana-an, Mosies Padilla, we will help increase the income they generate from selling their products,” she explained.
Cindy Valencia of the College of Business and Accountancy advocates for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. She urges the government and concerned organizations to strongly encourage young PWDs to pursue their education and dreams, even if they are physically challenged.
“We also aim to connect the youth who are in the CFPD, our partner organization, with access to more resources, training and opportunities provided by the government. Additionally, we will be lobbying for policies like the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, that promote inclusivity in workplaces and ensure that PWDs are not deprived of their right to work and reach their full potential,” she said.
Meanwhile, Renzy Capillo advocates for support for cancer patients. His team is collaborating with the Suntown Camp Foundation, an organization that assists children with cancer.
Ken Paolo Gilo, executive vice president of the University Student Government, said that the activity was a showcase of the champions’ commitment to their chosen advocacies.
“This one was a showcase of mastery and principle and commitment to the advocacies that they have identified. The activity was held to disseminate the advocacies of our La Sallian Champions and I believe that we have communicated the message,” said Gilo.
The La Sallian Champion is a program that trains young leaders from each college in advocacy and campaigning. Advocacy is of utmost importance to protect the rights of people who may otherwise be dismissed or ignored. When an individual learns about the importance of advocacy early in life, they realize that living goes beyond just providing for oneself. Advocacy involves using one’s voice and actions to effect change for the greater good.
When children are taught about advocacy, they not only become aware but also gain a better understanding of their rights and how to exercise them. Additionally, advocacy can help people confront challenges they may be struggling to overcome on their own. It is empowerment and empowering at the same time.*
