Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8044)
Republic Act No. 8044 is officially titled the "Youth in Nation-Building Act."
The Act defines 'youth' as persons whose ages range from fifteen (15) to thirty (30) years old.
The main policy objective is to enable the youth to fulfill their vital role in nation-building through the establishment of a National Comprehensive and Coordinated Program on Youth Development and the creation of structures to implement this program with adequate and sustained funding.
Principles include promotion and protection of the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of youth, inculcation of patriotism, nationalism, and desirable values, encouraging youth involvement in development activities, and mobilizing youth talents and creativity for freedom from fear, hunger, and injustice.
Components include formulation and implementation of the Medium-Term Youth Development Program, a national study on the situation of youth, national review and reform of youth-serving organizations, operational activities with global youth events, service delivery systems for youth needs, and participation in the Biennial World Youth Day.
The Commission is composed of a chairman, one commissioner each representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, two commissioners chosen at large, and the President of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan as an ex officio commissioner.
The chairman must not be more than 45 years old, commissioners not more than 40 years old, all must be natural-born Filipino citizens, have leadership experience in youth organizations, be of good moral character, and not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
The Commission is independent and autonomous with the status of a national government agency attached to the Office of the President, exercising corporate powers including having a seal, suing and being sued, and being the sole policy-making coordinating body for youth-related government activities.
Powers include appointing officers and employees, suspending or disciplining personnel, entering into contracts, acquiring properties, accepting donations, ensuring implementation of youth projects, issuing rules and regulations, and performing acts necessary for its creation.
Functions include formulating national youth policies, planning and overseeing youth programs, establishing consultative mechanisms for dialogue between government and youth, coordinating with organizations for youth development, conducting research and trainings, maintaining international linkages, administering youth exchange programs, and resource allocation.
The Youth Parliament serves as a consultative body that meets every two years to provide a forum for youth leaders, present proceedings, declarations, and resolutions to the National Youth Commission, with delegates representing various regions and sectors.
An initial appropriation of Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000) was authorized, charged against the unexpended contingency funds of the Office of the President, and subsequent funding to be included in the General Appropriations Act, with operating expenses not to exceed fourteen percent (14%) of the annual appropriation.
Donations, contributions, bequests, and grants to the Commission are deductible from the donor’s income for income tax purposes and are exempt from donor's tax, subject to the conditions of the National Internal Revenue Code.
Assets, properties, and funds of previous youth agencies including the Pambansang Katipunan ng Kabataang Barangay and the Presidential Council for Youth Affairs are transferred to the Commission; personnel may be absorbed by the Commission if qualified or may opt for separation benefits without loss of pay, seniority, or rank if absorbed.