Manila (AsiaNews) -Two thousand Filipino young people have gathered in Manila for two days of meetings and seminars in view of the presidential election in 2010. The initiative was organized by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the largest organization of Catholic schools in the country, with more than 1,200 members, and by the parish schools of the archdiocese of Manila (MAPSA). The participants come from both Catholic and public schools in the capital.

The main purpose of the two days of work, according to the president of the two associations, is to involve the young generations in the process of social change in the country. Monsignor Gerry Santos explains that the activities undertaken were aimed above all at the education of young people to recognize the fundamental importance of good government and honesty. "In light of recent national issues affecting the nation and the upcoming 2010 presidential elections," the president of the CEAP and the MAPSA explained, "it is time that our youth are given the opportunity to speak their minds and express how they feel about the disturbing situation of our country today. It is time that they realize their stake in this, as young Filipinos, and take action towards helping reform our nation."

"Our next president needs to undergo scrutiny by our young people," Monsignor Santos added, "so this is really intended to cultivate citizenship of integrity especially among our youths because they are still very idealistic."