THE SENATE has approved a measure that seeks to recognize the role of the youth in the development of a community and institute programs to engage young Filipinos to participate in nation-building.

Senators approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2503 which aims to declare August 12 of every year as National Youth Day.

The bill was in consonance with the United Nations declaration of International Youth Day, which encourages the youth to organize activities that will raise awareness regarding their situation.

Under the bill, the National Youth Commission, together with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will include discussions on career paths, Sustainable Development Goals, preservation of the environment, gender equality and mental health during the celebration of the International Youth Day.

The measure also mandates all schools, colleges and universities to launch activities such as leadership training, youth empowerment, workshops, basic mass integration and community immersion activities in celebration of National Youth Day.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, one of the authors of the bill, earlier said countries are witnessing how the youth shape nations through their actions.

While the pandemic had dampened the prospects of many young Filipinos in terms of gaining meaningful employment and has contributed to an increase in young people with mental health issues, the country benefitted from the efforts of the youth especially during the early moments of the pandemic and the various lockdowns.