‘Excited’ and ‘awed’ are the words that best describe the delegates to the 9th Parliament of Youth Leaders as they huddle and wait for their train embarkation at the Tutuban, España, and Pasay Road stations. The Parliament is happening in Naga City, Camarines Sur on May 2-6, 2012 and the National Youth Commission (NYC) partnered with the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to transport more than a hundred delegates to Bicol region for free.


Commissioner Gio Tingson, who heads this year’s Parliament of Youth Leaders National Organizing Committee, says the timing of the NYC event fits perfectly well with the revival of the Bicol Express Trains, “Recently lang nang ma-revive ang biyahe ng PNR to Bicol and timing naman na may parliament. Humingi kami ng tulong sa PNR to accommodate the delegates. Siyempre we also want the whole country to know na buhay nang muli ang PNR and it’s better than ever!”


Most of the delegates expect to experience the Hogwarts Express, the mode of transportation to the school of the same name featured in the Harry Potter movies.  Some recall stories told by older relatives of their experience riding the famous Bicol Express.


The 9th Parliament of Youth Leaders is a biennial event where youth leaders from all over the country gather to discuss issues that affect the country today. It is convened by the NYC, the government's policy-making body on youth development and participation. - Sarah Grutas

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