Group summons Cagayan Valley youth, leaders help drive for political reforms

ILAGAN, Isabela – Members of the political reform group Kaya Natin! have asked the youth in Cagayan Valley region to be part of the growing movement for good government. Kaya Natin’s “Caravan of Good Governance" hit the northeastern region last weekend, during which its campaigners graced the 1st Isabela Youth Assembly on Friday in a bid to strengthen its campaign against corruption in government and push for responsible leadership among the youth of this province. Among the speakers were Kaya Natin! members Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, who urged the youth and the leaders of the province to be more vigilant in understanding the present political situation in the country. Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, whose birthday coincided with the youth assembl, said: “The young ones are the most powerful sector of our society, sila ang tagapagligtas ng ating bayan, they can help enlighten the minds of those who refuse to be enlightened." “I call on the young people to make the right decision in choosing their leaders, and to be vigilant against those who are into vote-buying," said Padaca, whose successful effort toward good government in a province once controlled by powerful politicians has earned her a Ramon Magsaysay award for public service. According to Padaca, today’s youth can make a difference in nation-building if their role in decision-making will be highlighted and if they will be exposed early to electoral reforms. Gov. Ed Panlilio who is currently under fire in his own province due to a recall petition filed by his political opponents, said, “I believe that our good Lord has plans for us, I believe that many of our elected and government officials are still upright, righteous and practicing good governance." Lorenzo, who beat seasoned politicians using scarce funds, challenged those planning to run in the coming elections to be frugal during the campaign period. “You don’t have to spend millions of money to win, all you need is the right wisdom that you can impart to the people, “she said, adding that her sincerity helped her acquire the trust of the electorate in her native town. Kaya Natin! whose other members include Gov. Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao and Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City, is expanding its advocacy of good governance and ethical leadership in schools and universities in Metro Manila and in the provinces, and has encouraged more students and professionals to be part of the electoral reform movement. The group proceeded to Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province after the Ilagan rally. for - Floro Taguinod, GMANews.TV