PNoy appoints former OSCI awardee as new youth commissioner

Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol, Most Outstanding Secondary School Student (MOSSS) of Iloilo for School Year 2007-2008 was recently appointed by no less than President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as new Commissioner representing Visayas of the National Youth Commission (NYC) replacing Assistant Secretary Erwin Chua Andaya of Cebu City, effective May 5.

Peñol was a former chairperson of their barangay's Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in 2007 to 2010; was elected Municipal Councilor of Pavia, Iloilo from 2010 to 2013, being the youngest during his time; and served as Chief of Office Operations of 2nd District Rep. Arcadio H. Gorriceta until his recent appointment.

During his high school years, Peñol was president of their school's Supreme Student Government (SSG), Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs, Inc. (PSYSC) Regional Council - VI, and the National Federation of Youth, Science, Technology and Environment Science Clubs.

"Having graduated Class Salutatorian at Pavia National High School, Peñol is a combination of intellect and skill," quipped Dr. Myrna S. Castillo, Schools Division Superintendent of Department of Education Division of Iloilo.

Peñol graduated with a degree of AB Political Science at Central Philippine University in October 2013.

Meanwhile, in the National Youth Commission, Asec. Peñol will chair the following committees: 

• Committee on Sangguniang Kabataan Affairs;
• Committee on Employment; and
• Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development

Peñol is among the youngest among the new batch of appointees to the Commission along with Gregorio Ramon Tingson as Chairman; Jose Sixto "Dingdong" Dantes III and Jose Rafael Cruz as Commissioners at large; Percival Cendaña as Commissioner representing Luzon; Earl Saavedra as Commissioner representing Mindanao; and Shierwin Taay as Executive Director.

The 23-year old commissioner aims to "bring the youth projects and programs of the national government to the grassroots and bring the concerns of the grassroots to the national government."

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