Gang violence

EDITORIAL

Violence among gangs involving the youth had been a perennial problem nationwide and local officials could take what the youth and officials are doing in Baguio to attain peace among such groups.

Over the years, Baguio had also been scene of many gang wars but these dissipated after some officials and concerned citizens sponsored events to make teen gangs come together and work for the common good instead of engaging in negative activities like violence and illegal drugs.

Lately, last Jan. 11, the Council of Youth Leaders in Baguio, an offshoot of earlier initiatives, in coordination with the city government and the National Youth Commission, signed a covenant against gang-violence, vandalism and bullying during a youth concert  at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.

The covenant was signed by local youth groups, rap artists and concert organizers as their way of declaring they adhere to local and national laws and they were one in enhancing unity, peace and understanding among youth-oriented groups in the city.

“We believe in the encouragement of free speech and the exercise of individual beliefs amongst our peers as an avenue where our respective groups shall become contributing organizations in our community; and we shall uphold peace above all as we believe that fellowship and service to our community is the greatest prayer of all,” the covenant stated.

 Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Councilor Roberto Ortega, the city council’s chairperson for peace and order committee, signed as witnesses.

Domogan said this will help the city’s youth in effectively instigating positive change in the community. He said there was nothing wrong with youths involving themselves in organizations as long as  they do not make it their goal to break the law, but rather, to help make Baguio City a better place to live in.

Ortega, for his part, said Baguio City is the educational center of the North, which gives the city government more reason to inspire and  encourage the youth  to focus on their education rather than lean towards negative vices such as bullying, alcoholism, vandalism and drug addiction.

“We hope that youth groups will improve their skills and their personalities, rather than doing things that could destroy the city, as the city government also wishes to involve youths and their organizations on trainings and positive community development projects”, Ortega said.

Baguio youths who signed the pact agreed to support all programs of the city government that caters to welfare of the youth, as well as the programs of the NYC and the youth’s role in nation building.

Through the covenant, the youths will also undergo seminars on the Anti-Hazing Law, Anti-Bullying Act, Discovery Weekend Program. They will also working with the city’s anti-graffiti and clean-up drive along the Central Business District.