The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) launched its Youth Economic Sessions (YES) project in September 2024, holding its first two discussions on Economic Charter Change (Cha-Cha) in Iligan City and Davao City.
The sessions are the first leg of six youth-led economic fora aimed at enhancing the Filipino youths’ understanding of key economic topics. Focusing on the proposed amendments under the Economic Charter Change, the discussions seek to capture the knowledge, perspectives, and concerns of the Filipino youth on potential economic constitutional reforms and their implications on their lives.
The Mindanao leg of YES had 54 and 46 participants from Iligan and Davao respectively.
The first speaker, Ms. Angela Arnante, Assistant Director for Policy and External Relations of FEF, delved into the pillars of economic freedom and why it matters for the youth. Dr. Mike Anthony Tan, founder of GMST Inc., followed with a discussion of the Philippine technology ecosystem, the challenges and opportunities for the youth, and its potential to drive economic growth. Ms. Charina Ubarra, FEF Communications Specialist, concluded by linking economic freedom and proposed constitutional changes to how young Filipinos can leverage technology for personal economic freedom and the economic development of the country.
“[The 1987 Constitution] was good for that time,” said Ubarra. “Those are the rules that still govern your generation and the generations to come. The question is whether the current economic provisions are still the most-suited for your generation and your current realities.”
The YES sessions significantly shifted student opinion on Economic Cha-Cha. While initially 76% were either neutral or opposed, the sessions swayed the students’ opinion, with 78% now generally favoring the proposal.
Students hoped that the proposed changes such as increased foreign investments could really contribute to economic growth. Improved infrastructure, better services, and more jobs were among the expected benefits of the reform.
One student participant noted a shift in perspective after the discussion, saying, “Before, I would say I was a closed book on my stance. But right now, I’m more open and I’m more curious about how [Economic Cha-Cha] can bring about more change for us Filipinos.”
With the conclusion of the YES Mindanao leg, FEF will continue discussions on Economic Charter Change in the Visayas and Luzon regions. Upcoming sessions in Leyte and Iloilo will make up the Visayas leg, while sessions in Pampanga and Bicol will form the Luzon leg. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Atlas Network.
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