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Global Village on the Move Grant: Local Leaders for Good Governance

Three young participants are engaged in a hands on group activity focusing intently on building a structure out of materials

By Guill Marc D. Mariano (YES 2007-2008, Philippines, placed by AFS in Morrilton, AR)

My name is Guill, and I currently serve as a municipal councilor in my hometown of San Isidro, Isabela. My exchange year was a transformative experience that opened doors to countless opportunities I never would have imagined. Engaging with so many different cultures at a young age broadened my worldview, teaching me that multiple perspectives exist, each with their own value. I’ve learned that when we create spaces for healthy discussions and bring people together, we can develop shared realities, foster a collective vision, and ultimately build opportunities for shared social responsibilities. As a municipal councilor, these lessons in openness and listening to others have equipped me to be an effective policymaker.

Panel discussion with three speakers including the project leader seated in front of a screen that reads Youth in Nation Building

As both an active young policymaker and someone who regularly interacts with youth as a college instructor, I deeply understand and appreciate the critical role young people play in nation-building. In my community, key representatives of this sector include the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the official youth representatives in government; Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo, a youth-led civil society organization; and the Supreme Secondary Learner Government, the student organization institutionalized in all public high schools across the Philippines. These institutions are essential in implementing policies and programs for the youth sector, serving both schools and local government units. Additionally, they provide a space where the collective voice of youth can be expressed, shaped, and considered in decision-making processes.

In the Philippines, significant expectations are placed on barangays (local governments), and barangay officials serve both executive and legislative roles. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide capacity-building and development programs for elected SK officials and youth-led civil society organization officers. Local governance is key to empowering regional and national governments by institutionalizing accountability, fairness, and transparency. However, despite their responsibilities, many youth leaders lack the capacity to fully perform their mandated duties.

Congressman Fautistino Inno Dy V of the 6th District of Isabela delivering his message of support to the participants

After my participation in Global Village on the Move in November 2023, I applied for a follow-on grant to invest in training youth in key community roles so they can be more effective in their service and responsibilities. With seven years’ experience as a college instructor, connections with various organizations, and my role as an elected official, I was confident this grant would help launch my initiative, the Puso at Talino (Heart and Technical Skills) Academy.

The Academy, a youth leadership and skills development program, covered topics such as good governance, sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, leadership and team dynamics, design thinking, stakeholder engagement, and project design. Participants also engaged in a panel discussion on youth in nation-building and a project proposal competition.

I partnered with Isabela State University's Institute of Public Administration and Governance (IPAG) as part of their community extension program, allowing me to design the modules with governance experts. I also secured additional funding for program needs, including meals, faculty experts, and venues. Two organizations I’m involved with – JCI Alicia Pagay and the National Movement of Young Legislators – contributed to the modules and speakers. To further motivate participants, I secured nearly $200 in seed funding from our municipal mayor and over $2,600 from our district representative to fund outstanding project proposals.

A classroom setting where a speaker is presenting to a group of young participants seated and listening attentively with a slide projected

By the program’s end, 59 youth leaders were trained, equipping them with the skills to design and implement youth programs, with the potential to impact over 5,750 young people in their communities.

One participant shared, “The Puso at Talino Academy has been an invaluable experience for me, a young leader eager to make a difference. It has instilled in me the understanding that puso at talino, the heart and the mind, are not just abstract ideals, but the very foundation of effective leadership, especially at the barangay level. The Academy taught me that good governance is not a mere concept to be studied, but a practice to be embraced.”

The overwhelming support for the Puso at Talino Academy has led IPAG to consider institutionalizing it as a long-term program, while our Congressman Faustino Inno Dy V plans to expand it to other municipalities. Three participants plan to implement the program in their barangays. As a policymaker, I plan to author an ordinance to sustain the academy for future youth leaders. I will also continue mentoring the four winning project teams as they prepare for implementation. The program taught me the value of leveraging my network and assigning roles based on individual strengths to achieve success.

Group photo with thumbs up

Participating in Global Village on the Move taught me that everyone has unique strengths, and success comes from assigning roles that maximize those strengths. Running the program reinforced this, as I mobilized my network to design and deliver the modules. With limited funding, I partnered with organizations that shared our vision, ensuring the program's success by leveraging their expertise.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for investing in me at such a young age and for continuously investing in me and my community through various YES alumni opportunities like Global Village on the Move and follow-on grant funding. I would also like to thank the Institute of Public Administration and Governance of the Isabela State University for your expertise and financial support in running the program through the university’s community extension program. Gratitude is also accorded to our representative, Congressman Faustino Inno Dy V, and Mayor Vilmer B. Bravo for your generous support and for believing in the potential of our project.


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