Bohol's NMYL leaders: Exploring a new way to lead

By Leo Udtohan

YOUNG BLOOD. The officers of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL)-Bohol chapter headed by board member Jamie Aumentado Villamor.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

I was impressed by what I saw last week's reorganization and election of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) held in Mandaue City, Cebu. 

NMYL is a league of elected young lawmakers aged 40 years old and below, which includes vice governors, vice mayors, provincial board members, city and municipal councilors and Sangguniang Kabataan federated presidents and chairpersons.

I thought NMYL was a powerful group of young, brilliant minds with enough passion, perseverance and social understanding to "change the world."

For NMYL-Bohol chapter, lawyer and board member Jamie Aumentado Villamor was elected as chairperson. 

She wants young legislators in the province to be organized with the aim to make their ranks more effective and productive.

“Bohol will take active part in the efforts to engage the youth in the economic recovery and growth of the province of Bohol through legislative advocacy," said the 32-year-old lawmaker from Bohol's second district. 

Other elected officials were Dimiao Vice Mayor Jessie Tagupa Paluga, vice chairman;  Balilihan Vice Mayor  Esther Patrisha Veloso Chatto, secretary;  Bien Unido Coun. Leonardo Benitez Querubin Jr., treasurer;  Sagbayan Coun. Angelyn Tecson Camacho, auditor; and  Balilihan Coun. Marianne Domivee Chatto- Calipes, press relations officer. 

The board of directors for first district were Coun. Al Pilongo Coquilla (Antiquera), Coun. Virgelle Gail Bagolor (Tubigon) and  Coun. Kien Alphe Mino Garsuta (Alburquerque). 

Coun. June Reign Golosino Reyes (San Miguel), Vice Mayor Casey Shaun Monillas Camacho (Getafe), and  Coun. Maria Celeste Cepedoza Lerion (Danao) were elected board of directors for second district. 

 

3rd district board members were  Coun. Arnielito Soriano Olandria (Candijay),  Coun. Edsel Rarioa Tutor (Jagna),  and Coun. Abigail Marie Lagura Gutang (Guindulman).

Villamor, granddaughter of the late Gov. Erico Aumentado and niece of Gov. Aris Aumentado, finished her Bachelor of Laws at Lyceum of the Philippines University in 2015. She took up her Masters in Political Economy at University of Asia and the Pacific. 

As a volunteer lawyer at the Child Justice League, she provides pro bono counsel. 

Before she was elected board member, she was the corporate board secretary of National Irrigation Administration (2018-2021), policy and legislation head of the League of Cities of the Philippines (2017-2018) and legislative consultant of the House of Representatives (2013-2018). 

As board member, Villamor is the chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Industry, Committee on Natural Resources and Environment Protection and Committee on Culture and Arts. 

"I’ve learned and seen firsthand that inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but it is also crucial to building stable, strong and reliable economy. So we the youth should not only represent NMYL, but make sure our voices are heard and actions are taken," Villamor said.

Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL)-Central Visayas chairperson and

Cordova Councilor Larenz Lagon and NMYL-Bohol chapter chairperson and NMYL-Central Visayas vice-chairperson Jamie Villamor answer questions from Cebu media. 

Priority agenda:  

-Maximize youth involvement and participation in consultations, policymaking and legislative processes. 

- Strengthen local communities by advocating and enacting laws for the farmers, fisherfolks, small enterprises, MSMEs and the indigenous groups. 

- Champion children and youth welfare in the Province of Bohol through enactment, review, amendment (when necessary) and/or ensure implementation of local laws. 

Action plan:  

- Recommend to the provincial government and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to tap NMYL representatives in consultative meetings, roundtable discussions and technical working groups, among others; 

-Collaborate and partner with private and public sectors, both in the national and local, for projects and programs; 

- Promote Bohol eco-tourism sites, heritage and faith; 

- Promote and support local products; o Conduct peer education, legal and medical aid programs in the localities; 

-Help provide opportunities for NMYL members to participate in public policy making and acquire knowledge and skills through trainings and classes; 

-Establish and strengthen linkages and networks, both in the local and national level. 

PAST & PRESENT: Former NMYL-Bohol chapter chairperson and board member Aldner Damalerio with NMYL-Bohol chapter chairperson and NMYL-Central Visayas vice-chairperson Jamie Villamor. Photo: BM Aldner Damalerio

Villamor was also elected vice chairperson of NMYL- Region 7 with Cebu Cordova Councilor Larenz Lagon as chairperson.

Meanwhile, former NMYL-Bohol chairman and board member Aldner Damalerio told his fellow public servants to be "service-oriented, results-driven and vision-directed." 

It is really true that the youth has been equated with energy. They may also provide fresh perspectives with creative, innovative minds. And it is a sign of things to come. 

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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Gov. Aris Aumentado as chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7: 'I thank President Bongbong Marcos for the trust he placed on me. I am truly grateful and humbled. This will inspire me and other governors to do more for Central Visayas.' 

Mayor Jane Yap on Tagbilaran City being hailed as "Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit" (LGU) under city level category 3 from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI): 'Tagbilaran, this is our win. Thank you very much Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for recognizing our efforts. Rest assured that we will continue to work together to reach the highest potential of our beloved Tagbilaran City.' 

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