By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
The Marcos Jr. administration on Saturday launched the Bagong Pilipinas Youth (BPY), a nationwide movement for youth empowerment to be chaired by presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Marcos, in line with the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan (National Youth Week) 2025.
The event also marked the opening of the first BPY Hub, a dedicated space for youth collaboration and innovation, at the Bagong Pilipinas headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
The launch, which gathered student leaders, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers, youth advocates, media partners, and supporters, was described as a milestone in advancing the national youth development agenda.
BPY seeks to empower young Filipinos to become proactive agents of change by providing platforms for civic engagement, leadership development, education, and innovation.
Marcos, the youngest son of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, said BPY is “more than just a youth organization,” stressing that it is a movement that promotes youth leadership as the norm.
He added that the initiative encourages young people to take the lead in shaping the country’s future rather than waiting for opportunities to come.
“We are all partners in guiding, inspiring, and leading the Filipino youth toward strengthening this Republic, for they are the future leaders of this country and the hope of our nation,” Vinny Marcos said.
The newly inaugurated BPY Hub will serve as a collaborative center where young people can gather to develop ideas, organize activities, and participate in structured programs designed to foster creativity and solidarity.
Although still in its early stages, the hub is envisioned as a vital space for youth-led initiatives.
During the launch, Marcos showcased a variety of project proposals, including a Youth Voters’ Registration Hub, monthly Youth Hangouts, and the Bagong Kabataan Academy for leadership training, film screenings, and sports tournaments.
Other proposals are mental health caravans, anti-bullying seminars, community cleanups, songwriting and band competitions, spelling contests, and support programs for out-of-school youth.
Marcos emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral support, urging government agencies, the private sector, non-government organizations, schools, and communities to invest in youth programs.
He also thanked private partners who have already pledged resources in support of BPY initiatives aimed at helping youth become more confident, innovative, and impactful leaders.
The launch of BPY aligns with the national vision promoted by the President, who has consistently underscored the vital role of young Filipinos in nation-building.
The event concluded with a call for unity and shared responsibility in nurturing youth leadership for a just, inclusive, and progressive Philippines.
