AS THE country continues its battle against the pandemic, Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Jane Elago on Saturday stressed that there is a greater need to listen to the Filipino youth.

“Ligtas na Balik-Eskwela, safe reopening of schools, students’ rights and welfare, among other pressing student demands — napakahalaga dito ang boses ng mga pinakaapektadong tao at mga komunidad sa ating bayan — ang mga estudyanteng Filipino,” Elago said.

“Pahigpitin pa natin ang ating pagkakaisa, palakasin ang ating boses, at itambol pa ang mga panawagan ng sambayanang Pilipino lalo na sa panahon na ang ating mga batayang kalayaan sa pananalita, pagpapahayag, pag-oorganisa at mapayapang asembliya ay kaliwa’t kanang inaatake,” she added.

Elago made the call ahead of the 3rd National Students Day on November 17 where the party-list plans to conduct activities and campaigns in connection with the theme “Sulong: Onward to Reclaiming Spaces for Student and Youth Voices!”

Among the major issues that will be tackled during the celebration is the fight to defend and uphold genuine youth representation, which the group said is under attack in all fronts.

“Pilit ding pinatatahimik at sinusupil ang boses ng mga kabataan at estudyante na nasa harap ng mga demonstrasyon para sa hustisya at karapatang pantao at nananawagan ng aksiyon sa patung-patong na krisis sa edukasyon,” Elago said.

The lawmaker said their priority legislative and advocacy efforts include the passage of Comprehensive Free Public Education, Academic Freedom, Students Empowerment, Rights and Welfare bills.

She also asserted that laws on K-12, Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, Unified Student Financial Assistance System, National Service Training Program, and National Mental Health Law must be reviewed.

“There is also an urgent need to provide immediate aid amid the pandemic as we aim to institutionalize an Education Relief and Student Aid System amid future public health emergencies and other calamities,” Elago said.