Panata ng Kabataan: E4ALL

By: Marie Gaie C. Nolledo

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Kabataan Partylist, together with other youth organizations, gathered together for a dinner entitled “Panata ng Kabataan: E4ALL” last March 28, 2010, at Adarna Restaurant in Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City.

E4ALL spoke for the four main goals of the said party list. E4ALL stood for Education, Employment, Environment, and Equality.

Students from UP-Diliman, UP-Manila, St. Paul Universtity-QC, St. Scholastica’s College-Manila, De La Salle University and other colleges and universities participated in the event. Also, youth leaders from AnakBayan, Sangguniang Kabataan Baseco and Paco, National Union of Students of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and representatives of different politicians were also present.

The gathering highlighted and introduced the Kabataan Partylist nominees; namely Ken Ramos, Mark Louie Aquino, and Representative Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino. The Kabataan Partylist wishes to create history by putting three of their representatives in the Congress. Also, part of the program was the renewal of “Panata ng Kabataan”.

Aside from the presentation of the party’s nominees, Kabataan Partylist also used the event to give updates on the recent detention of five student leaders from Polytechnic University of the Philippines. National Union of People’s Lawyer member Julius Matibag shared his story on the incident, and said that they are expecting the authority to release the students on March 29.

Raymond Palatino, in his speech, shared the accomplishments and goals of the partylist. He enumerated the bills that the party has expressed their support and opposition. These issues include tuition fee increase and no permit, no exam policy.

The night was not all politics and social issues. It was also a night of art and fun for the youth. Posh, a group of four ladies, performed both dancing and singing to entertain the guests. Also, the scrumptious food prepared for the visitors completed the night.