Inspired by a 21st Century Politician: Meeting with the Youngest Filipino Senator - Bam Aquino

Gabe Mercado was fascinated with my former work with FEMA Corps -- the American national service program for 18-24 year olds  -- devoted to disaster survivors.  Inspired by the FEMA Corps example, Gabe sent an email to the Philippines newest and youngest Senator - Bam Aquino  - and requested a meeting for us to talk about youth service to disaster survivors.  

On Thursday afternoon, February 27, 2014, Sen. Aqunio agreed to meet with Gabe, Katy Mixner and I to discuss youth initiatives in disaster response and preparedness at his satellite office in Manila.  It is a former art gallery and looks it.  Large windows, open floor plan, captain’s stairway to the upper loft floor -- it is a cool space for a cool dude.

At 36 years old, Sen. Aqunio is right out of central casting as a young, hip, grounded, accessible legislator.  If this is what the next generation politician looks like, we are all in for a bright future!  Sen. Aquino has been a youth entrepreneur his whole life.  

For more info, go to: Bam Aquino Official Senate Website

Sen. Aqunio also told stories of Super-Typhoon Haiyan survivors that he witness after visiting the area.  He reported that Tacolban’s market was up and running after 4 weeks.  This is in comparison to markets returning in 18 weeks after the Aceh tsunami and 3 months after the Haiti earthquake.

He was amazed that the market had pork for sale.  (Pork is beloved in Filipino cuisine, especially in this region.)  The senator asked:  “How did you get pork to sell so quickly?”  The seller simply explained, “Pigs swim.” 

Sen. Aqunio told us inspiring stories of youth groups helping their communities get prepared for disaster.  One group took on teaching all young people in their community how to swim.  A simple idea with life-saving impacts.  Another group met with each small town in their region to discuss disaster preparedness.  A third group did emergency response themselves in their rural region.  They used an old-fashioned two-way radio and purchased their own vehicle and equipment to respond to first aid requests and fires.   

Sen. Aqunio was interested in the FEMA Corps concept and how service work can lead to innovation in a disaster.  He also told us of a youth in disaster response summit that his staff is planning for Fall 2014.  Heroic Improvisation would be a perfect fit for the training portion of the summit, so stay tuned for that. Sweet!