This virus knows no age and so does leadership.

In these critical times where being afraid becomes a second nature for us regardless of how old we are, a cry for leadership has been echoing. Our leaders probably have heard this and it’s a high call for them to stand up and be present with their people. Amazingly, as this call is begging for answers, some youth leaders - despite being new blood in governance - stood up, took the call, and conquered their fears for the sake of people whom they took oath to serve.

They are living testimonies of how hope can be viral in this time. It’s time for their efforts to be given a spotlight.

*• Arth Bryan Celeste, the 23-year old mayor of Alaminos City, Pangasinan led in the provision of relief goods to the city’s around 25,000 residents. The local government unit bought the vegetables and fruits of their local farmers to help them survive. The said goods was given to the residents later on.

**• San Manuel Tarlac’s 28-year old chief executive, Donya Tesoro manifests what the words “Relief-for-All” really mean as she rally the distribution of relief packs to all of her constituents. Alongside her, the municipal government provided 20,000 pesos and seedlings to all barangays (village councils) as part of their relief operations. The seedlings (okra and pechay) will be used for the backyard garden of every barangay.

***• Probably the most popular of the millennial mayors, Vico Sotto of Pasig City seemingly has done more than a typical mayor can do. He led the city to set-up a “food truck” to give 2,000 packed meals for front liners like health workers and security officers, and made sure that all city government officials will be given full salaries during lockdown. Apart from this, he initiated the mobile “palengke” (mobile store) to lessen foot traffic in market areas among others.

For these young public servants, making a mark in the political arena is the least of their priorities. In this early point in their careers, they already understood that leadership has nothing to do with positions, fame, nor social status. It has to be a choice firmly made to uplift the lives of people in the community, especially when it is needed most.



This choice is not limited to the likes of those three and other young ones who are redefining the way we see governmenance. As the Filipino youth, though the grand majority of us are not in the public offices, we can make this choice in times like this.



Here are some of the simple ways for us to start or continue to become youth leader in the time of lockdown:



1. Develop yourself as a leader. Leadership is a skill and this lockdown gives us more than enough time to build this skill by means of, but not limited to: reading leadership books, listening to podcast, watching leaders’ success stories on social media, and enroll in short courses. Successful leaders never stop learning because they understand that leadership is the mother skill that gives birth to other life skills.

2. Share your knowledge. Knowledge on leadership, once applied, is bound to be shared. As you are on the process of developing yourself as a leader, you can develop others to become one too. Share useful leadership tips, tools, and practices to your friends, recommend resource materials or even conduct a Facebook Live leadership talk. Leaders grow leaders and it’s more energizing to see you growing besides others who want to grow as well.

3. Post positivity and truthfulness. In times like this one, it is quite comfortable for people to make use of social media as an avenue to spread hate, negativity, and fallacy. But as youth leaders, we always move on the other side of the coin. We ought to stay positive by posting good stories and reflections such as the courageous act of Lola Alita - a 64-year old Filipino nurse who, despite her vulnerability of having the virus due to her age, goes to work to help treat COVID-19 positive patients. Leaders commend people who are doing good for others, specifically those who are in the frontline – healthcare professionals and volunteers – and in the backline – farmers and fisherfolks - and choosing not to dwell on other netizens’ rude arguments. It is also important for us to tell the truth both online and offline. We must learn how to spot fake news and information, do thorough research on certain issues, and maintain fact-based discourse. Don’t be embarrassed, tell the truth and do good things for there is someone who is waiting to become fully aware and inspired.

4. Be a role model. Rules and regulations are being strictly implemented during this lockdown. Leaders like us should be the first one to abide these rules. If the authorities say stay at home, then stay at home. Wear face masks if necessary. We can be leaders for others if we can lead ourselves first.

5. Promote virtual solidarity. Studies show that there is a rampant increase of depression cases and suicide attempts in the Philippines. One of the factors affecting it is disconnectedness. Youth leaders can be the connector who can reach out to peers. Since physical distancing is being imposed, we can maximize the power of our fingertips. We can call/text/chat/video call to connect with our friends and colleagues. A simple “Kumusta ka? (How are you?) can brighten the day of a person who is experiencing deep loneliness. We can also create FB groups or group chats to have a safe space for conversing on any topic and for sharing skills/talents. With this, we can give others an opportunity to be heard, and feel valued and connected. Our presence in this time is more essential than we think and let others feel it.

6. Serve online. Service is the lifeline of leadership and being at home cannot stop a youth leader from serving. We can volunteer online for a wide range of advocacy activities like online arts and crafts for street children, data mapping, etc. We can also initiate an online fundraising event or crowd sourcing to generate funds for us to help give additional relief packs to the most prone sector - the elderly. Leadership in times like this can be as simple as an act of generosity and service. There is no such thing as small efforts, only big impacts.

Feeling stuck at home during lockdown is something that is not an exciting experience to feel with everything that is happening around us. But because leadership is a continuous journey and not a come-and-go effort, we must choose and strive hard to take the lead like Mayors Vico, Arth, and Donya in pursuit of the betterment of our current situation. Don’t let this virus stop us from unleashing our limitless capabilities and more importantly, don’t let your age dictate when you will answer the call to lead. The time is now. You are never too young to lead!

*Information retrieved from www.inquirer.net

**Information retrieved from Mayor Donya Tesoro Facebook page

***Information retrieved from www.rappler.com