FOLLOWING the official launch of the United National Leaders for Advancement and Democracy-Pinas (UNLAD-PINAS) in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro last March 10, the advocacy-campaign has since expanded its reach and membership as it forged partnerships with various organizations across the country.
UNLAD-PINAS initiative seeks to create a platform for dialogue and informed discourse on relevant and important issues concerning the progress and development both on the national and local level. It also aims to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and cohesion among citizens from various sectors.
House of Representatives’ Deputy Secretary General Ponyong Gabonada, who leads the Secretariat of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, graced the opening ceremony. Gabonada emphasized the critical importance of engaging experts and stakeholders from different backgrounds to share their insights.
The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair creates a platform for dialogue that encourages individuals to explore new perspectives and embrace change, hence, laying down the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable society where all voices are heard and valued.
The program “UNLAD PINAS” is an advocacy campaign and movement aimed at fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of nationalism and nation-building among Filipinos. It stands as a beacon of hope and unity in the Philippines, serving as an advocacy campaign and movement dedicated to nurturing a profound sense of nationalism and active participation in nation-building among Filipinos.
Dr. Ederson Tapia, Dean of the College of Continuing Advancement and Professional Studies of the University of Makati, shared his expertise on empowering community leaders.
“Local governments should continue to strengthen their competencies and improve their absorptive powers through reforms in other areas, including institutions, structures, and procedures, as well as reforms in behaviour and values, anchored on a common vision owned by all communicated people,” Tapia said in his lecture before hundreds of people at the launch of UNLAD PINAS at the Divine Word College in Oriental Mindoro.
“Political Decentralization is a strategy for empowering local levels of governance that transfer certain power and functions from the central and local levels. One major reason why we are where we are is precisely because our local governments haven’t sufficiently been empowered. This is essentially the transfer of power and authority from the central-local government,” he added.
Marilou De Leon, a 56-year-old representative from the women’s sector, expressed gratitude for being allowed to represent the women’s sector in some capacity.
“Naliwanagan po aking kaisipan sa lecture na ito kung paano ma-empower ang isa’t isa sa amin. Malaking tulong po itong usapin na ito para pagtitibayin pa ang aming samahan at matulungan ang kapwa ko kababaihan sa aming bayan, Maraming salamat po sa napakagandang inisyatiba,” she said.
In its second installment in Butuan City last March 23, Dean Cecilio Duka, a leading legal luminary and author on Constitutional Law, shared his expertise and deep understanding of constitutional amendments and the need for impediment reforms so the country can pace with globalization and strengthen the foregrounds of our constitution that answers the call of the times.
“Constitutional reform in the Philippines, or knows as Charter Change has no extension of term— it only aims economic provisions in the constitution that inhibit our growth momentum,” he explained before hundreds of Agusanons in attendance.
Lorimar Vilan, 67, from the senior citizen sector, expressed her sentiments about proposed changes to the country’s fundamental law on amending the constitution.
“Ang gusto ko lang ay amendment ayaw ko ng revisions kasi sa amendment kung ano lang yung dapat palitan, yun lang ang atin papalitan diba. At kung i-revise natin directly ang ating constitution ay mawawala naman yung dating pinaghirapan ng dating nakaraan; pero kainlangan baguhin ang dapat baguhin,” Vilan said.
The primary goal of this program UNLAD PINAS, is to advocate for nationalism, active citizenry in nation-building, and the promotion of transformational leadership.
UNLAD PINAS recognizes the critical role of leadership in shaping the direction of society. It also seeks to cultivate transformational leadership qualities among individuals in positions of authority and influence.
Through leadership development initiatives, mentorship programs, and capacity-building activities, it aims to nurture a new generation of leaders who are committed to driving positive change and advancing the common good.
