Duterte Youth leader appointed as National Youth Commission chair

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Duterte Youth Movement leader Ronald Gian Cardema as the new chair of the National Youth Commission.

Presidential spokesperson made the announcement at a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

According to Roque, Cardema will replace resigned NYC chair Aiza Seguerra. He will serve the commission for three years.

Seguerra tendered her resignation in March which was effective April 5. She cited “personal reasons” when she quit the post.

Cardema has since took the officer-in-charge post for the NYC.

Prior to this, Cardema was appointed by Duterte as NYC commissioner representing Luzon, with the rank of assistant secretary. He took his oath on September18 last year, replacing Percival Cendaña.

Last April, Cardema announced that the commission had cut ties with non-profit Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Awards Foundation Inc.

The office of Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV co-organizes the annual youth awards.

Cardema said that the P1.7-million budget allocated for the TAYO Awards would be used to establish a government youth awards named after Duterte. 

Despite this, Aquino said TAYO Awards will continue as a “completely private sector endeavor.”