Student leaders and campus publication representatives of the University of Northern Philippines gathered at the UNP Auditorium on August 4, 2026 for a consultative leadership forum with the National Youth Commission (NYC).
Organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Services in partnership with the Student Council, the forum served as a vital platform for student voices to contribute to discussions on leadership, civic engagement, and meaningful youth participation in nation-building. The activity was conducted pursuant to Memorandum Nos. 2026-206 and 2026-207 issued by University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, directing mandated and accredited student organizations and campus publications to actively participate in the dialogue on national youth governance and development. Through the initiative, UNP emphasized the importance of empowering students to engage in policy discussions and contribute informed perspectives to issues affecting the country’s youth.
Serving as the forum’s guest speaker, Atty. Carl Vincent Quitoriano, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the National Youth Commission, brought the discussion a deeply personal perspective as a proud alumnus of the University of Northern Philippines. A graduate of UNP’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and later the UNP College of Law, Atty. Quitoriano drew from his own journey from student leadership to public service to highlight the transformative role of education and youth engagement in shaping future leaders.
In his address, he emphasized that the leadership values, experiences, and academic foundation he gained at UNP became instrumental in preparing him for a career in public service and national governance. His story highlighted the university’s continuing role in nurturing socially responsible, engaged, and service-oriented leaders whose contributions extend beyond the campus and into the broader community and nation.
Atty. Quitoriano also discussed the mandate of the National Youth Commission under Republic Act No. 8044, or the Youth in Nation-Building Act of 1995, emphasizing the Commission’s crucial role in strengthening youth participation in governance, policymaking, and national development. He provided an overview of the NYC’s current organizational structure under the leadership of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Francisco Ortega, along with its Commissioners-at-Large and regional representatives, giving student leaders a clearer understanding of the mechanisms through which young Filipinos can engage in public governance and influence policies affecting their sector.
One of the forum’s central discussions focused on the Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP), the Commission’s official registry for youth and youth-serving organizations nationwide. Atty. Quitoriano encouraged student organizations to register with YORP, citing its advantages, including official recognition by the National Youth Commission, eligibility to participate in Local Youth Development Councils, expanded opportunities to access financial, technical, and logistical support from local government units, and qualification to participate in national youth programs and conventions aligned with the Philippine Youth Development Plan.
The consultative forum concluded with closing remarks from Office of Student Affairs and Services Director Dr. Mariano Paterno Avila, who expressed appreciation to the National Youth Commission for deepening its engagement with higher education institutions in advancing youth participation in governance and development. He likewise commended the student leaders and campus publication representatives for their active involvement stressing the vital role of young people in promoting responsible leadership, informed discourse, and meaningful civic engagement.
The closing message reaffirmed UNP’s commitment to create avenues where students can actively participate in governance discussions and translate their leadership and communication skills into meaningful contributions to society.
