Valedictory Address of Hon. Ma. Angelica Bianca B. Requinto-Espinosa, Ou...

Full text of the Valedictory Address of Hon. Ma. Angelica Bianca B. Requinto-Espinosa, Outgoing PPSK President.

“Hon. Vice Governor Christine “Ting-Ting” S. Garin, Fellow members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, honored guests, friends and family, maayong’ hapon sa tanan.

“Where are the youth who will consecrate their golden hours, their illusions, and their enthusiasm to the welfare of their native land?"

We all know these words of our foremost national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It was his plaintive plea to the youth on the eve of the 1898 Philippine Revolution. It was also a veritable call to arms.

For one, I know that Sangguniang Kabataan is a brainchild of the 8th Philippine Congress. This was the first legislature to serve the nation after the 1986 People Power Revolution. It was the esteemed law-making body spawned by the 1987 Constitution, which had sought to rebuilt democracy and shake off all vestiges of disgraced dictatorship.

Then comes RA 10742 or otherwise known as SK Reform Law of 2015, a breakthrough after the suspension of the SK for five years.

The full weight of living up to these noble original intentions of the SK weighed heavily on my young and inexperienced shoulders.

In the past, the Sangguniang Kabataan has gained a reputation for being impotent -- for limiting itself to programs on sports, pageants, and on holding sophomoric field trips.

As I end my journey as SK Federation president, I would still like to break this limiting stereotype of SK. There is a huge difference between SK that we have now to what it was before. Age expansion, anti-political dynasty, financial independence, mandatory trainings, and the strengthening of the Local Youth Development Councils all over the Province were some of the salient features of the SK Reform Law. Not to mention the 10 centers of participation that we have to comply with.

Reflecting on our journey as members of the pioneer batch of the Sangguniang Kabataan in the province of Iloilo under Republic Act 10742, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and nostalgia. Ours has been a journey of firsts and of resilience in the face of challenges.

As pioneers, we found ourselves navigating through uncharted waters, where guidelines and frameworks were still taking shape. 

The SK Reform Law brought forth new responsibilities and expectations. We had to adapt swiftly to these changes, sometimes learning on the job, as we transformed from being youth leaders to official members of the local government.

Our journey was met with skepticism, both from within and outside of our ranks. Some questioned the efficacy of the new SK structure. Yet, we stood united, proving through our actions and dedication that youth participation in governance is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality.

Legal ambiguities often clouded our path, adding an extra layer of complexity to our roles. We grappled with uncertainties, interpreting and implementing the law to the best of our abilities, while advocating for clarity and support from higher authorities.

Today marks not just the end of a chapter but the conclusion of my incredible journey that began with an earnest desire to serve the people of Iloilo. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you for being integral part of this journey.

Being a first-timer in the realm of politics, I embarked on this path with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Little did I know that the challenges awaited me would be met with the unwavering support and guidance of the exceptional individuals present in this august body.

To my fellow Sangguniang Panlalawigan members headed by our vice Governor Hon. Christine “Ting-ting” Garin, thank you for the incredible support extended to me throughout my term, especially as the youngest member of this esteemed body.

Your willingness to share insights, engage in constructive dialogue, and guide me through the intricacies of public service have been instrumental in my growth as a legislator.

To Former Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., to Congressman Raul “Boboy” Tupas, madamo gid nga salamat sa wala liwan nga pagsuporta sa akon kag sa mga programa para sa kabataan. Each of you has been a source of inspiration, and I will carry the lessons learned from our collective endeavors into my next chapter of my life.

Representing the youth of our beloved province has been both an honor and a responsibility that I have carried with pride. It has been a privilege to be the youth’s voice in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

To my fellow youth leaders and pioneers of SK Reform Law, thank you for your trust and partnership over the five years. Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and your commitment to making a difference. Our journey may have been challenging, but it is precisely those challenges that have shaped us into leaders we are today.

As we celebrate our accomplishments, it is important to acknowledge that progress is a continuous journey. Our legacy is not just in the numbers and statistics but in the lives touched and communities strengthened and future shaped.

To my family, especially my parents, I am deeply appreciative of the sacrifices you've made to allow me the opportunity to explore this path. Your understanding, patience, and continuous support have made it possible for me to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with being a young leader in this realm of politics.

To my dedicated staff, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our shared goals. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes do not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful for the teamwork that propels us forward.

To everyone who has played a role in supporting and guiding me through this journey, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your support and guidance has been a constant reminder that I am not alone in this pursuit.

To the newly elected SK officials, as we pass the torch to you let our legacy inspire continued excellence and progress in the years to come. The torch you now hold carries with it hopes and aspirations of our community—nurture it with care, passion, and profound sense of responsibility.

The responsibilities that came with representing the youth are not to be taken lightly, and navigating the intricacies of leadership at a young age is indeed a daunting task.

My journey was marked by moments of uncertainty and self-discovery, but I remained steadfast in my commitment to the ideals of SK. I recognized the importance of this platform as a voice for the youth, a channel for their concerns, and an avenue for positive change.

Every effort, no matter how small, was driven by the belief that the youth have a vital role to play in shaping the future. I may have been young and inexperienced, but I did what I could, and I am proud to have played the part in the noble intentions of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you as your Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President for these five incredible years. Madamo gid nga salamat Probinsiya sang Iloilo kag padayon guihapon Kabataang Ilonggo!”