Boomers who ever doubted the youth in politics can stay pressed because the country’s youngest legislator was just awarded as Politician of the Year by global forum One Young World.
Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago was selected by the organization on Jul. 15 as one of the five recipients of the One Young World Politician of the Year Award for “using their positions to create change for young people in their communities and countries.” Aiming to highlight the achievements of the youth in politics, panel of judges with substantial experience in the field of politics, led by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, selected these five leaders out of a shortlist of 15 politicians between the ages of 18 and 35 from all over the world.
Being the only Filipino in the roster, Elago shares this award with other young politicians from countries like Afghanistan, Germany, the United States and Zimbabwe.
Announcement: Meet the #OYW Politicians of the Year!
This award recognises five of the world’s most impactful politicians using their positions to create change for young people in their communities and countries.
Discover more about the 2020 winners: https://t.co/GLbGeiKRcJ pic.twitter.com/ad51PlKkME
— One Young World (@OneYoungWorld) July 15, 2020
According to the One Young World website, the organization recognized Elago as the youngest member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, a member of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, and an ambassador for various non-profit organizations. Moreover, they also mentioned her principal authorship of the Comprehensive Free Public Higher Education Bill in 2017 which benefits around two million college students every year.
May laban tayo hangga’t may mga kabataan na target ng political persecution, at hanggang ngayon ay naka-piit dahil sa gawa-gawang kaso, tanim-ebidensya at mga alegasyong walang batayan! #FreePoliticalPrisoners #StopTheAttacks #DefendTheDefenders#StandUp4HumanRights #EndImpunity pic.twitter.com/FfJYAEn4p5
— Sarah Elago (@sarahelago) July 16, 2020
Elago responded to the award in a Facebook post saying that she was “truly humbled to be recognized” and that “we are obliged to persevere in bringing in politics of hope, action and change because our future is at stake.” She also highlighted the work and dedication of the Filipino youth regarding the country’s social issues on her Twitter account.
“This recognition is a testament to the persistent work and full dedication of Filipino youth in the struggle [with] and alongside the people for the protection of human rights, [especially] in education, labor, health, gender equality, free speech and press, information and climate action,” she tweeted.
Elago and the other winners are scheduled to receive their awards at the One Young World 2021 Summit in Munich from April 23 to 26.
Photo by Gabriel Pabico Lalu for Inquirer.net
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