Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition and IBP Nueva Ecija Sign Landmark Agreement to Strengthen Youth Engagement and Access to Justice

 

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CABANATUAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA — The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC Philippines), a national youth-led non-governmental organization, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Nueva Ecija Chapter (IBP-NE), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to strengthen youth access to justice and pursue joint representation at the United Nations.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines is the official organization of all lawyers in the country, mandated to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, promote continuing professional development, and advance public service through legal aid and community engagement. Its Nueva Ecija Chapter plays an active role in delivering legal assistance and supporting initiatives that improve access to justice at the local level.

SKC holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a recognition that enables the organization to participate in UN deliberations, submit formal written statements, and engage directly with international policymakers. It is also a member of the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding and the Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, reflecting its engagement in peacebuilding, statebuilding, and regional climate advocacy. Through these platforms, SKC amplifies youth voices and advances civic engagement, capacity building, policy advocacy, and humanitarian initiatives, which are expected to serve as key areas of collaboration with IBP Nueva Ecija. SKC chapters across the country remain open to project partnerships with local organizations to further expand the reach and impact of youth-led initiatives.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ellirie Aviles, Founder and Board Chair of SKC Philippines, together with Devin Carl Padilla Sagun, MPA, SKC Regional Ambassador for Central Luzon. Representing IBP-NE were Atty. Maria Carmela Wenceslao, Chapter President, Atty. Jo Anne Padilla, Legal Aid Chairperson, and Atty. Jubail Esteban.

“We aim to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with their communities and the legal sector,” Aviles said. “Through joint initiatives, including representation at the United Nations, we can bring Filipino youth voices to global discussions on justice, governance, and sustainable development.”

The two-year agreement establishes a framework for coordinated community outreach, strengthened youth engagement in access-to-justice efforts, and professional development opportunities for members of the legal sector. By combining SKC’s national youth network with IBP’s institutional mandate and legal expertise, the partnership seeks to reduce barriers that prevent young people from understanding their rights and accessing available legal remedies.

“Through this collaboration, we hope to bring legal aid closer to young people across Central Luzon and beyond,” Padilla said. “Providing youth with clear pathways to seek assistance and understand their rights is essential to building informed and resilient communities.”

“Working directly with youth communities allows lawyers to strengthen their skills in preventive education, community engagement, and responsive service delivery,” Wenceslao added. “This collaboration creates a two-way learning process where both lawyers and young people benefit from shared knowledge and experience.”

As part of the partnership, SKC and IBP-NE will undertake joint representation at the United Nations, bringing both youth and legal perspectives to international platforms. Initial activities are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 under the oversight of a Joint Committee composed of representatives from both organizations. The signing represents the first step in what both institutions envision as a long-term collaboration to promote informed civic participation and reinforce youth access to justice across Central Luzon and throughout SKC’s national network.

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