IN A BID to deepen public engagement and promote civic education among the youth, the House of Representatives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Schools Division Office of Quezon City to pilot its Youth and Students Tour (YST) Program.

The signing marks a key milestone in the rollout of YST, a new initiative designed to give middle and high school students an immersive, first-hand experience of the legislative process.

The program forms part of the enhanced HRep Visitors Program, which also offers regular tours to local officials and group delegations.

House Deputy Secretary General Grace Andres, who leads the implementation of the YST, credited Tingog Party-list Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez for spearheading the initiative.

Romualdez, who chairs the House Committee on Accounts, is recognized for championing the institutionalization of youth-centered programs in Congress.

“This project would not be possible without the support of our Chairperson Yedda Marie Romualdez,” Andres said. “She believes that by making this tour a regular program, we can reach and inspire more young people.”

The pilot run will involve students from Quezon City, who will get the chance to observe actual legislative sessions and participate in educational activities aimed at fostering awareness of governance and nation-building.

IPAD Deputy Executive Director Rosemarie Santos noted that the YST is meant to “foster civic engagement, educate the youth on legislative work, and inspire students to be future leaders.”

SDOQC Superintendent Dr. Carleen Sedilla, who co-signed the MOU, underscored the initiative’s value in shaping informed and proactive citizens.

“Our partnership goes beyond this agreement — it’s about nurturing students to become responsible, engaged nation-builders,” she said.

Delivering a message on behalf of House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, Deputy Secretary General for Legal Affairs Annalou Nachura affirmed the project’s broader mission.

“Together, let’s raise a generation that learns not just from books, but through real experiences that cultivate civic awareness, a love for learning, and a deep sense of patriotism,” she said.

Coinciding with the program’s launch was the unveiling of new digital tools on the House website, including a 360-degree virtual tour of the Batasang Pambansa Complex, an online tour scheduling system, and House at Your Fingertips — an interactive platform detailing the House’s history and operations.

Following its pilot implementation, the Youth and Students Tour Program is expected to expand to other cities, with the long-term goal of making civic education more engaging and accessible to students across the country.