2020
Mark Anthony (Mack) Labriaga
- Age: 31
- | He/him/his
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Allowing us, young people, to participate in community building doesn't only acknowledge our energy and creativity as young persons but also values our dignity and our desires to support and to help. And while you are collaborating with us and make use of our ideas and skills to make a better world, you are also honing our growth and our aspirations to become an efficient and effective leaders in the future. Let us not get tired investing in young people. Let us make this world an inclusive, non-discriminatory, and safe space together.
- Mark Anthony (Mack) Labriaga
Bio
My name is Mack and I am currently pursuing my second Master’s degree in Public Administration at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California. I am passionate about youth leadership and organizing.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
I am the youngest of the family, and all of my three siblings are mentally challenged. Growing up, I have seen how my siblings were rejected from defining opportunities because of their condition. These events have helped me realize the value of my voice and my views. My lived experiences and participation in community building ignited my pursuit for gender equality.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
I was elected president of Y-PEER PILIPINAS in 2016. We received a Small Scale Funding Agreement from the UNICEF Philippines. One of our deliverable is to conduct an Adolescent Development and Participation Training of Trainers. As the president, I had the chance to meet the participants. There I have met the Local Youth Development Officer (LYDO) of the municipality where I live. Since then, I have coordinated with her and planned several youth activities on SRHR.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I participate in online Zoom meetings with my brothers in Singles for Christ, Roman Catholic Youth Group. I read books. Currently, I'm enjoying Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl. I also go to the gym four to five times a week. I dance, and I sing.
Languages Spoken:
- Cebuano (Advanced/Native)
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Tagalog (Advanced/Native)
- Thai (Elementary)
- English (Advanced/Native)
Speaks On:
- adolescent pregnancy
- HIV/AIDS
- CSE in emergency situations
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Internship Certificate of Completion by UNAIDS Philippines
- Human Rights Education Trainer Certification by Amnesty International
- SRH Trainer Certification by YouthLead and YPEER Asia Pacific Regional Office
- Creating Connections Trainer Certification by UNICEF Philippines and YPEER PILIPINAS Inc.
- E-Learning Course on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Setting by Save the Children and UNFPA
- World Youth Forum
- 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum - Children and Youth Assembly: Comprehensive Sexuality Education Session
- Family Planning Organization of the Philippines' National Youth Leaders Assembly
