Fare thee well

Kudos to the First Lady of Cebu, Margot Osmeña, for helping the city garner recognition as the most child-friendly city in the country. It must be so heartwarming for this beloved of the city to have her efforts recognized by outside institutions, especially by the country's top two universities.

A list of the city's efforts in the children's sector explains why: tens of thousands of kids immunized, day care centers established, lowered infant mortality rates, programs for juvenile offenders - all these have let this city stand out from the rest of the country. There's much to be proud of, and Margot, together with her nameless, faceless and less glam (but maybe not glamless) supporters, are to be thanked for their tireless efforts.

But even as we pat these leaders on the back, we shouldn't forget the grim realities that are still out there. We still see kids in rags begging. We know that the quality of education in the public schools still ain't much to be proud of. And we definitely know that the reputation of Cebu as a haven for child prostitution hasn't gone away. So "child-friendliest" this city might be, it may not mean much if all it is, is a relative comparison to other cesspools found in this country.

Too, French NGO workers have pointed out that a lot of well-meaning citizens confuse social work with dole-outs. Missionaries and matrons scatter rice, milk and other giveaways to 'the poor,' not realizing they are creating a culture of dependency, and further eliminating any sense of self-worth that the recipients might possibly have left.

Margot identified one problem besetting this city. She cited the youth governance mechanism formerly established by Ex-President Marcos, the Sangguniang Kabataan ("SK") which, according to her, hasn't really been visible in child welfare promotion. All I could think of when I heard this was, "Well, we can't expect the SK to do anything - it's only a training ground for kids who want to become politicians. It's Corruption 101."

Ex-President Marcos established the SK as a vehicle for pro-Marcos propaganda. This system allowed gullible kids with political ambitions (or parents with an eye for their kids' advancement) to be brainwashed. At best, the SK was stuffed with clueless teens urged by their peers to run, and not really knowing what it was all about.

Of course, once they got there, it was time to learn from the pros. How to file bloated expense reports. How to create ghost projects and pocket public funding for it. How to schmooze and suck up for political advancement. That's the great achievement of the SK.

Sure I'm cynical. It's not exactly the worst that can be said about me. But then again, has anyone seen concrete results from the SK? Do we know of any SK leader that eventually became a well-respected national leader? Oh, and wait, that person must also undoubtedly be above and beyond the stigma of corruption. (And let's be clear about this - not the faintest stench must taint that person). Well? Do we?

Rather than expecting the SK to help, perhaps it should simply be abolished. The funds of the SK (all those allowances of kids who do nothing after being elected!) can then be diverted elsewhere. We don't even have to create a substitute institution, since existing social welfare mechanisms can already be used - at least - if all we need is to promote children's welfare.

And if there are youth leaders that are really willing to help, then maybe a citywide call can just be issued. Let them sign up, and pitch in with what they can. Expecting the SK "leaders" to come forward and deliver might be an exercise in futility - as it's proven to be thus far.

As to the task of locating leaders, kids with promise, kids with a future - there are other ways of locating potential. Look in schools and who's active in student governance. Check out the clubs. Maybe that way you can identify who's got the knack for it.

But creating these pseudo-political bodies, and forcing the election of youth representatives, regardless of whether any one really qualifies? That's a bit idiotic. Especially now Marcos doesn't need his little grassroots project patterned after the Soviets. Or was it the Hitler Youth?