The Most Important Natural Resource

"The Filipino youths are considered as the most valuable resource of the country. The

'Youth in Nation-Building Act' (RA 8044) which was enacted in 1995 established the

National Youth Commission and the National Comprehensive and Coordinated Program

on Youth Development. This act defined the Filipino youth as those with ages 15-30.

Currently, the Philippines have a projected 85.2 million population. The youth comprises more than 40 percent of the total population. Of this, 21% are enrolled in high school, tertiary and vocational schools, 22% are young peasants, 21% are contractual young workers in the urban areas, 36% are unemployed and out of school and 4% are working students." 

Review of the World Program of Action for Youth Implementation in the Philippines

By Cordillera Peoples Alliance Youth Centerand Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network 

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/wpaysubmissions/philippines.pdf

Since this review was published, less than 10 years ago, the population has climbed (by estimate of the government of the Philippines) to over 98 million.  The percentage of young people who are unemployed and out of school is still quite large.  Situations are very much the same in many developing nations.  This scenario for young people is one that can only increase the numbers of youth involved in crime.  Every young person must be seen as an invaluable natural resource - one who, if provide opportunity, can contribute to society, care for the aging, and provide a better path for those even younger than themselves.  Incarceration is a dead-end solution and harms families as well as the young person directly involved.  The only option that provides hope for youth and for the community is rehabilitation, education and restoration.   For those many young people who have not been involved in crime, education and opportunity are of the greatest importance.  Those who have been "in conflict with the law" need that same, but also to have the chance to help repair any harm they may have done - restorative justice.