GD Law Joins National Youth Commission in Celebrating 31 Years of Youth Leadership and Empowerment
GD Law joined the National Youth Commission (NYC) in commemorating its 31st Anniversary, held last August 28 at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila, alongside the observance of the 2026 International and National Youth Day.
Representing GD Law at the celebration were Partner and Co-Founder Atty. Micah Lorelle P. De Guzman and Underbar Associate Louis Pazcoguin, who joined representatives from government agencies, international partners, civil society organizations, academe, and youth organizations gathered to celebrate the NYC's three decades of promoting youth leadership and empowerment.
From left to right: GD Law Underbar Louis Pazcoguin, GD Law Partner & Co-Founder Atty. Micah Lorelle P. De Guzman, NYC Chairman & Undersecretary Jeff Ortega, Former Commissioner Representing Luzon of the National Youth Commission & Member of the 13th Commission Atty. Reena Vivienne C. Pineda, LPT, and NYC Chief of Staff Atty. Eriven Larry Nepomuceno.
Carrying the theme “NYC at 31: Weaving the Future Together with the Filipino Youth,” this year’s celebration highlighted the important role of young Filipinos in civic participation, good governance, and nation-building. It also recognized the youth sector’s significant role in the country, with young Filipinos making up over 80% of the voting population and serving as key drivers of national development under Kabataang Pilipino para sa Bagong Pilipinas. The event brought together around 500 government representatives, youth leaders, organizations, and other partners committed to advancing youth development in the Philippines.
One of the key highlights of the celebration was the ceremonial turnover of the updated Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) for 2026 – 2028, the country’s medium-term strategic roadmap for youth development. The updated PYDP serves as a guide for policy formulation, resource allocation, and the coordination of youth-focused programs and initiatives nationwide.
Cabinet Secretary Hon. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos mid-speech during the Ceremonial Turnover of the Updated PYDP 2026-2028 (Photo from the National Youth Commission Media).
The program also featured the oath-taking of newly appointed NYC officials, the unveiling of an NYC commemorative stamp marking the Commission’s 31-year milestone, the signing of the Youth Freedom Wall, and the recognition of partner organizations and stakeholders whose contributions have helped advance youth empowerment across the country.
The celebration further highlighted the importance of collaboration among national government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, local youth leaders, academic institutions, and private-sector partners in strengthening youth governance and participation.
NYC Chairman & Undersecretary Jeff Ortega delivering the State of the Youth Address (Photo from Bagong Pilipinas Youth Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122172527876971588&set=pcb.122172528320971588).
For GD Law, being part of the NYC’s 31st Anniversary celebration is a reflection of the Firm’s belief in the power and potential of the Filipino youth.
Earlier this year, GD Law entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Youth Commission and the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS) to develop initiatives that promote youth civic engagement, strengthen access to accurate and accessible information, with the development of SK Learning Modules and Lecture Series for the Sangguniang Kabataan officials and youth leaders, covering the West Philippine Sea situation, and ways to counter misinformation.
The partnership reflects GD Law’s continued support for the NYC and its work in promoting youth development through projects such as youth-focused learning materials and civic education initiatives, to help make important national issues more accessible to young Filipinos and encourage them to take an active role in society; empowering a more informed, engaged, and responsible generation of Filipino youth.