DAVAO CITY — Different youth organizations formally launched today an alliance against the current global financial crisis and commercialization of education.
Leksyon (lesson) stands for Lihok Kabataan Batok Krisis ug Komersyalisasyon (Youth movement against crisis and ommercialization) consists of a broad membership from communities, schools and universities and young professionals in Davao City and in Southern Mindanao. It was formed to mobilize mobilization the youth in actively facing the various crises of the society and standing up against policies and authorities that continue to neglect the youth’s rights and welfare.
The group is led by youth groups College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), AnakBayan, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), Kahugpungan sa Kabatan-onang Kabus sa Dabaw (Kabaka), and League of Filipino Students (LFS).
Leksyon launched its first campaign, the Pakigbisugan ang Tsek (Fight for a check). Tsek stands for Trabaho, Serbisyo-Sosyal, Edukasyon ug Katungod (jobs, social services, education, rights). The campaign aims to address the primary demand of the Filipino youth, students and out-of -school youth, amidst the worsening economic crisis.
The global financial crisis at hand worsens the commercialized Filipino education. Despite the declaration of some academic institutions of ‘no tuition fee increase’ this year, majority of our youth cant go to school because education remains expensive. It is manifested in the redundant miscellaneous fees, Myrna Imperial, Leksyon chairperson.
There are many drop-outs due to economic constraints. Even though basic education is free, poor families will not be able to sustain other fees in schools which would actually amount to around 15,000 pesos to 20,000 pesos per student,” added Vicente Penas, chairperson of out-of-school-youth group Kabaka.
Harry P. Mercurio of the CEGP also noted that the government should address issues on education rather than the desperate moves to push for charter change.
Leksyon said are united in defying the crisis and will not stop holding activities that showcase their call for affordable and quality education.
The group encourages the youth to join the alliance and strengthen the campaign for genuine jobs, social services, education, rights.It is only via the united movement of the youth and other marginalized sectors that we can push for our democratic rights, concluded Imperial.
For reference:
Jun Catalan, Mobile number 0912-5353-487
Education, leksyon, youth
