Filipino Game-changers and Freedom-fighters Meet European Counterparts
A delegation from the Philippines is participating in Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s (FNF) Study Visit Program entitled ‘Game-changers and Freedom-fighters’ in Brussels and Munich this September. The delegation is composed of young legislators—Cavite Congressman Francis Abaya, La Union Board Member Nancy Bacurnay, Naga City Councilor Ray-an Rentoy and Aklan Councilor Frederick Rey. Youth leader Jobelle Domingo and communications expert Julie Laconico complete the six-member delegation. The program facilitates international dialogues that focus on innovative techniques in local leadership, policy-making and advocacy campaigning.
“As an international organization that fosters liberal values, we put premium on international exchanges that promote more freedom and democracy in governance. We are happy to put together this group of young politicians from different parts of the Philippines who can push for a citizen oriented, efficient, democratic and responsible (non-corrupt) local administration.”
The delegates will meet with their European counterparts and other experts in the fields of local governance, youth engagement and policy development, to exchange best practices on how to enhance leadership capabilities in executing and sustaining programs in the local level.
“As a liberal politician, I always try to look for new ways to engage with my constituents in Cavite, to ensure that they are part of the policy-making process. I am glad to be part of this delegation as I am very much interested to learn perspectives on and innovative ideas for legislator-citizen’s engagement in Germany and the European Union,” said Congressman Abaya.
The Study Visit is jointly organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Philippine, Brussels and Berlin Offices. FNF advocates political reforms through international exchange and political dialogue between and among a diverse network of forward-thinking liberals and organizations in the Philippines and abroad.