Generous questioning

Two weeks ago, my colleagues and I had the privilege of reviewing the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) budgets of six barangays of Las Piñas. As is customary, each SK chairperson took the floor to present their barangay’s plans and allocations. What followed was a lesson not just in numbers, but in priorities, imagination and, yes, generosity.

The figures were clear: between 36 percent to 47 percent of their annual budgets ranging from P1.8 million to P6 million were dedicated to sports. On the surface, this wasn’t troubling. We Filipinos love our games, and sports has long been a unifier. But as the council probed deeper, concerns emerged.

Three SKs budgeted for just two tournaments: basketball and volleyball. Two included a third event — either badminton or Mobile Legends. One had only basketball.

The issue wasn’t the love of sports; it was the lack of imagination and representation.

Where are the young people who love dance, music, coding, chess, writing, and traditional Filipino games like sepak takraw? Shouldn’t our youth programs mirror the diversity of their interests and needs?

In recent months, I’ve been quietly approached by several young people and their parents seeking assistance. One teenager came to me, teary-eyed, asking for help because he was the target of persistent bullying. He didn’t need a tournament; he needed a safe space. Another asked for modest support to revive a chess activity in their barangay, something that taught them patience, strategy and discipline. Two others reached out to promote awareness for dancing and sepak takraw — both rich in expression and culture, yet often neglected.

One mother, with worry in her voice, asked if we could support programs for youth mental health. “They’re stressed, ma’am,” she said. “They scroll online and feel they are never enough.” That moment stayed with me. Her concern was not for medals or events, it was for her child’s inner peace.

These requests were not for millions. They were asking for attention, inclusion and compassion.

This is what I call generous questioning — asking how we can do better, and for whom.

As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Questioning the budget is not about confrontation. It is about careful stewardship. If we are entrusted with public funds, we must also be entrusted with listening to the quiet voices, especially of the youth.

True generosity is not just in giving. It is in listening. In making room for others. In asking: what more can we do?

Let our questions always come from a generous heart so that every young person in every barangay will feel seen, safe, and supported.

As of this writing, the reel shared by Daily Tribune, showing me asking an SK chairman pertinent questions about their sports budget, has been shared over 11,400 times and viewed more than 1.3 million times within 48 hours.