Philippines Government Employees Association Youth Council (PYC) conducted a seminar - workshop on leadership and capacity building on 28-29 November 2008 at Makiling Highlands Resort, Laguna, Philippines.

 The objective of the seminar-workshop was to develop young leaders in the public sector

• To develop skills and capabilities of the young public sector workers:
• To enable more youth to become agents of change and enlightenment.
• To make young public workers aware of their rights, responsibilities and their vital role in promoting right values and good governance as next leaders of the bureaucracy.
• To introduce the concept of spirituality in unionism and leadership.
• To establish a core group of young leaders from different agency associations and unions.
• To identify and discuss issues/problems confronting young workers.
• To come up with an action plan that will systematically help and enable the   young public workers to advocate and make recommendations to deliver quality public services.

On the last day of seminar-workshop, PYC had their election; Eross Ocampo (he is also a coordinator for the PSI South East Asia Young Worker) was chosen to be the National Youth Adviser of the Council

The PYC had their Oath Taking Ceremony administered by Hon. Richard Alvin Nalupta (Chairman and CEO of National Youth Commission) on December 5, 2008 at Mabini Hall, Malacanang Palace during the National Convention of Government Employees. More information and a report, please contact Eross Ocampo: eross_pgea@yahoo.com

There is a need to attract more young workers actively involved and joining trade union movement. Trade unions need to adapt new organizing ways and adjust their services: a first step in attracting young people is working with them to find out what they need. One initiative introduced by AUPE (Amalgamated Union of Public Employees, Singapore) is fun games and outdoor activities in order to reach out to their young members. Young AUPE was launched in December 2005, one of it goals it to cater to the needs of younger members in the union and serve as a beacon to attract more young workers to join the union.

One activity just recently held by the union was paintball games. Playing out in the open field on Saturday, 15^th November 2008, it was not just about paint ball battle but on how the team’s ability to cooperate, plan and motivate challenges of the battle field. For more information, please contact Young AUPE Chair, En Shyang TAN: TAN_En_Shyang@nparks.gov.sg or Stephanie Lee: Leesy@aupe.org.sg

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A brain drain is usually regarded as economic drain in the sending country. Large numbers of young people with technical skills migrate to other countries, in Pacific nation’s migration created a major social impact.Public Services International was actively involved on 2^nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila, Philippines from 24 to 29 October 2008. Asia Pacific Youth Network Coordinators invited to participate and join the entire event organised by PSI, Global Union and Civil Society Organizations. Youth network coordinators were encouraged to participate in the policy level and organising workshops in order to understand the problems of migrant workers. They have actively demonstrated the vision and mission of PSI and quality public services. They have joined hands in solidarity and support to the cause and concerns of migrant workers who are predominantly unorganized and largely unprotected.  They also learn on how the strong alliances are being forged between trade unions and civil society organizations, especially the migrant rights movement.

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