Kabataan Partylist has pledged to address the worsening learning crisis during its next term, emphasizing the need for a Student Rights Bill to safeguard students’ freedom to think critically, express themselves, choose their attire, and organize for nation-building. This is in response to repressive school handbook rules.

The partylist also plans to file an Adequate and Accessible University Services Bill aimed at lowering the costs of dormitory housing, transportation, and food services, among other school needs.

Kabataan Partylist confirmed that Atty. Renee Louise Co, the 38th UP Student Regent, will be its first nominee. Co, who served as UP Student Regent during the COVID-19 lockdowns from January 2021 to August 2022, led campaigns to ease academic workloads, ensure the safe reopening of campuses, and secure a sufficient budget to uphold students’ right to education.

Co also spearheaded efforts to protect academic freedom at UP and other universities amid the abrogation of the UP-DND Accord and increasing campus militarization.

“We must increase the budget for schools to ensure that students at all levels have access to adequate, affordable spaces and services. Online learning should not be a substitute for meaningful youth education,” Co stated.

In response to the rise in student suicides and mental health issues following the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kabataan has updated its previous 9-point youth agenda to include a new focus on mental and physical health. The group aims to mobilize the youth to fight for education, jobs, services, national sovereignty, and long-term development for the people, opposing the traditional corrupt political system dominated by foreign interests.