An open letter to Councilors-elect Jason Lagahit, Chessa Sagarbarria, and Renz Macion
Dear Jason, Chessa, and Renz,
Congratulations! Let’s start with the bad news: While there is a lot of excitement about the youth vote changing the Philippine political landscape, there is also a lot of doubt about the ability of youth leaders to actually deliver in government.
In fact, the process to discredit you has started, and if you do not do things differently, you will fade into the background. Again. Like many youth leaders.
The chatter is always vicious: Jason Lagahit won because of network and resources. Chessa won because she is a Sagarbarria. Renz won because he is a loyal Lupad candidate, and had campaigned so close to Atty. Dio Remollo and Atty. Karissa Tolentino.
But here’s the good news: Elections are over. You now have the chance to prove that you deserve your slot at our City Council. And we will be watching you.
I will be watching you — excited, hopeful, ready to volunteer our services — if needed.
My advice? Do things differently. Show us, oldies, how young people can do things differently.
- Cross party lines, and meet-up for coffee and dinner to talk about how you are going to shape a Youth Legislative Agenda.
Then bring together youth leaders and advocates to think together, dream together, plan together, and execute things together.
- Understand the budget process well. Consult not just your party leaders. Work with academia. Work with civil society organizations. Get the right training. Don’t be lazy.
The budget says so much about the priorities of the City. Read Dumaguete’s report from the Commission on Audit, and talk to COA to see if there are things you can improve through legislation. If young people’s needs are invisible in the City budget, young people are invisible in the City.
- Don’t be afraid to introduce new things. Make the Council more transparent through technology? Do it! Use Canva, Tiktok, and other platforms to communicate what the Council is doing? Do it.
Hold town hall meetings every quarter? Do it. Insist on plain English, simple language when you write ordinances? Please, please do it.
There are so many examples around the world on how youth leaders are doing things differently.
Good luck, and feel free to contact us if you need us to pitch in. After all, governance is not a one-person job. We need all hands on deck for a better Dumaguete.
Sincerely,
Golda Benjamin
Dumaguete Resident
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Author’s email: goldabenjamin@gmail.com
