Solon pushes out-of-school youth bill

In a privilege speech, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares highlighted the proposed Magna Carta for Out-of-School Youth (OSY).

As part of the celebration of the National Youth Day, he stressed the importance of safeguarding OSY’s right to give them a better life and prepare them for the workforce.

“[It is] a landmark bill crafted with nearly two decades of legislative efforts shaped by the voices of out-of-school youth themselves. Designed to secure their rights and protect them from discrimination and open up pathways to education, decent work, healthcare services, and even entrepreneurships,” he said.

The lawmaker also pointed out that out-of-school youth face not only challenges in education, but also struggles with poverty and limited access to opportunities that build resilience.

He added that programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program should be strengthened to ensure no family is forced to choose between food and education. The representative also underscored the need for adequate funding for the Alternative Learning System to provide out-of-school youth with a genuine and relevant second chance at education.

Further, he called on equal chances for youths whether they are in school or out.

“Let us act now together to ensure that every Filipino child, regardless of birthplace or circumstance, has access to quality education and a fair chance to succeed,” he called.

“Investing in young people is not just symbolic — it is survival. Youth are not just the future, they are our present,” he added.