Magna Carta for those left behind

The young food vendor whose story of perseverance on the unforgiving streets of Quiapo, whose name is Geraldine Olmos, but millions know her as “Neneng B,” became a viral symbol of a profound national crisis. 

Her image is a stark counterpoint to the idealized photograph of smiling children in school uniforms—a painful reminder of the 10.7 million Filipinos aged 5 to 24 who, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), are not in school.  

This staggering figure is not just a statistic; it is the face of a generation left behind, a profound national failure that demands more than fragmented compassion.

For too long, we have approached this crisis with fragmented compassion, offering crumbs of hope instead of a guaranteed right. 

We point to the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as lifelines, but for young people like Neneng B, working long hours to put food on the table, these opportunities are often out of reach. 

This reality forces us to confront a critical question: Why do we still need to legislate when we already have these programs? The answer is simple: because these programs, however successful they may be for some, are scattered, vulnerable to shifting political winds, and often fail to reach the most marginalized.

This is precisely why the proposed Magna Carta for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) is a moral and economic imperative. The House of Representatives has already taken a decisive step by passing House Bill No. 9347. 

Now, the Senate is considering its counterpart, Senate Bill No. 2612, championed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. This bill, authored in 2018, is now being pushed for in the 20th Congress, aiming to transform scattered programs into a hardwired legal framework that guarantees support for our forgotten youth.

The bill, as documented by the Senate Legislative Reference Bureau, goes beyond existing programs by mandating inter-agency action and institutionalizing what were once discretionary services.

The Magna Carta changes the game by doing what the existing system cannot. 

Senator Hontiveros’ bill establishes a clear legal framework that binds government bodies—including the Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)—to coordinate their efforts. 

Most importantly, it allocates budgets and guarantees slots for OSY, ensuring that access is a matter of law, not luck. This measure will ensure that programs for our forgotten youth are integrated into the national budget, solidifying their place as a priority.

The benefits of Senator Hontiveros’ proposed bill extend far beyond urban centers. For those in far-flung areas and marginalized communities, where TESDA and ALS centers are scarce or non-existent, the bill mandates the establishment of an integrated and accessible support system. 

It aims to bridge the geographical gap by bringing mobile training programs and outreach services directly to these communities, ensuring that distance is no longer a barrier to opportunity. 

The bill also recognizes the unique challenges faced by indigenous peoples and children in conflict-affected areas, providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed support to ensure they are not left behind. 

Every TESDA certificate becomes not just a pathway to higher wages and better working conditions, but a beacon of hope for an escape from the vicious cycle of poverty.

While the Magna Carta represents a monumental step forward, it is not without its potential areas for improvement and gaps to address. 

The bill, in its current form, faces the challenge of ensuring a uniform implementation across diverse local government units, some of which may lack the resources or political will to fully comply. 

Additionally, while it allocates a budget, the amount may not be sufficient to cover the immense needs of 10.7 million out-of-school youth.

A preeminent gap to consider is its potential to address extraordinary situations such as natural disasters or public health crises, where the needs of OSY may be exacerbated and traditional support systems disrupted. 

To comply with a comprehensive framework, it would need built-in mechanisms for rapid response and flexible resource allocation during emergencies.

The economic potential of this bill cannot be overstated. A 2024 PSA report counted more than 863,000 children aged 5-17 in informal labor. With proper support, these young individuals could become the backbone of a new generation of skilled workers. 

As a World Bank report highlights, human capital accounts for 70% of the Philippines’ total wealth; this bill is a direct investment in that most valuable resource.

The bill was in the Senate, now holding it in its hands. 

It is up to leaders like Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the chair of the Committee on Basic Education, to shepherd it to a vote. 

It is also up to leaders like Senator Loren Legarda, vice chair of the Committee on Finance, to use her influence to ensure it receives the necessary funding. 

Their action—or inaction—will determine whether this bill remains a noble idea or becomes a transformative law. 

The measure of a society lies not in how we treat those inside the classroom, but in how we remember those left outside its gates. 

Passing this Magna Carta will be an act of recognition, a powerful message to millions of forgotten young Filipinos. It affirms to them that their lives are valued and their potential is worth fighting for.