Bagong Pilipinas Youth Program Aims to Steer Young People Away from Drugs, Online Gambling

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

The Marcos administration formally launched the Bagong Pilipinas Youth (BPY) on Saturday, a nationwide movement aimed at empowering young Filipinos to take an active role in nation-building. The initiative, chaired by presidential son Vinny Marcos, coincided with the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan (National Youth Week) 2025.

The event also marked the inauguration of the first BPY Hub at the Bagong Pilipinas headquarters in Mandaluyong City a dedicated space designed to foster youth collaboration, leadership development, and innovation.

Described as a milestone in advancing the national youth development agenda, the launch brought together student leaders, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, youth advocates, media representatives, and private partners.

“BPY is more than just a youth organization—it is a movement that champions youth leadership as the standard,” Marcos said, urging young Filipinos to become proactive drivers of change rather than passive recipients of opportunities.

The BPY Hub is envisioned as a collaborative center where young people can design projects, organize activities, and participate in programs that promote creativity, solidarity, and civic responsibility. Among the proposed initiatives are a Youth Voters’ Registration Hub, monthly Youth Hangouts, the Bagong Kabataan Academy for leadership training, film screenings, and sports tournaments. Other projects include mental health caravans, anti-bullying seminars, songwriting and band competitions, spelling contests, and support programs for out-of-school youth.

Marcos stressed the need for broad multi-sectoral support, calling on government agencies, the private sector, schools, and communities to invest in programs that will nurture confident, innovative, and impactful leaders. He also expressed gratitude to private partners who have already pledged resources for BPY’s early projects.

The launch reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national vision of strengthening the role of young Filipinos in shaping a just, inclusive, and progressive society.

The event concluded with a call for unity and shared responsibility in harnessing the potential of the youth as vital partners in building the nation’s future.

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail