Ang Samahan ng Kabataang Amputi Layag - ASKAL

26/03/2026

AUTOMATIC FARE INCREASE💸⛽

📍 San Carlos City, Pangasinan

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Carlos has passed a resolution implementing an automatic fare adjustment mechanism in response to fluctuating petroleum prices ⛽📈

⚖️ AUTOMATIC INCREASE & DECREASE
For every ₱5.00 increase or decrease in fuel prices, there will be a corresponding ₱1.00 increase or decrease in fares 💸🔄

🚫 No further advisory is required. Please be guided accordingly. 🛺📢

07/03/2026

🌸 Women’s Month 2026 | Ang Samahan ng Kabataang Amputi Layag 🌸

National Theme: “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”

This Women’s Month, Ang Samahan ng Kabataang Amputi Layag (ASKAL) proudly stands in solidarity with women everywhere.

We believe that women are strong, capable, and extraordinary human beings. They are often the backbone of families, communities, and movements, working tirelessly—sometimes quietly—behind the scenes to build a better society. Their leadership, courage, and compassion continue to shape our nation in countless ways.

Today, we extend our warmest greetings not only to the women of our organization, but to every woman who continues to break barriers, lead with strength, and inspire change. Your contributions matter. Your voices matter.

But celebrating women also means standing up against the injustices they continue to face.

We condemn the vile, misogynistic, and deeply degrading remarks recently directed at Congresswoman Sarah Elago, a women’s rights advocate and representative of Gabriela Women's Party, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio who was previously suspended in 2022-2024. Statements that normalize lustful objectification and dismiss respect for women are unacceptable in any society striving for equality.

We also note the inappropriate remarks made by Jesus Manuel “B**g” Suntay during a hearing of the House Committee on Justice, where he referenced actress Anne Curtis in a manner that sexualized and objectified her. While an apology has been issued, such incidents remind us how deeply misogyny and sexism remain embedded in public discourse.

These moments must serve as a reminder:
Respect for women should never be optional.

At ASKAL, we believe in a simple truth:
If men can lead, create, serve, and succeed—so can women.

Let this Women’s Month be more than celebration.
Let it be a commitment to end misogyny, dismantle gender bias, and build a society where women are safe, respected, and empowered.

Together, let us stand for gender equality and an inclusive society.

✨ Happy Women’s Month!

06/03/2026

ASKAL Statement on the Remarks of Congr. Jesus Manuel 'B**g' Suntay Regarding Anne Curtis-Smith

“No Woman Should Ever Be Spoken About That Way.”

The Samahan ng Kabataang Amputi Layag (ASKAL) strongly condemns the remarks made by Congressman Jesus Manuel 'B**g' Suntay during a formal hearing of the House Committee on Justice, where he referenced actress Anne Curtis-Smith in a manner that sexualized and objectified her.

In the course of his argument, Congressman Suntay used a disturbing analogy describing how he once saw Anne Curtis in a mall and imagined inappropriate scenarios about her, suggesting that such thoughts could not be punished because they existed only in his imagination. While the point he intended to make concerned legal culpability for thoughts or unenforceable statements, the example he chose was deeply inappropriate and disrespectful.

No woman should ever be spoken about that way—especially in the halls of Congress, and especially during Women’s Month.

March is a time when we recognize the contributions, dignity, and empowerment of women. Public officials are expected to model respect and uphold the highest standards of conduct. Remarks that reduce women to objects of desire, even in hypothetical examples, normalize a culture that trivializes the dignity and safety of women.

Although ASKAL is based in San Carlos City, Pangasinan and not in Quezon City, where the congressman is an elected representative and where the House of Representatives convenes, we believe that statements made by national leaders resonate across the country. Words spoken in Congress do not remain confined within its walls—they influence public discourse and can shape social attitudes.

Such statements create a chilling effect among young people and communities, including our members and constituents. They risk sending the dangerous message that it is acceptable to objectify women, when in fact the opposite must be upheld.

ASKAL therefore calls on public officials to exercise greater responsibility, sensitivity, and respect in their language—particularly when speaking about women. We urge leaders to use their platforms to promote dignity, equality, and genuine empowerment rather than reinforce harmful attitudes.

Women deserve respect—in our communities, in our institutions, and in our nation’s highest offices.

25/02/2026

ASKAL Statement on the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution

The Ang Samahan ng Kabataang Amputi Layag (ASKAL) stands in solidarity with the Filipino people as we commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

ASKAL was founded on the principles of Makabayan, Makatao, at Makakalikasan. To be Makabayan is to love our country not only in words, but in action—to stand for what is right, just, and moral, even in the face of oppression. It means recognizing that patriotism sometimes demands courage, even from the youth. To be Makatao is to uphold human dignity, to remember the lives lost during Martial Law, and to honor the collective strength of a people who chose freedom over fear.

Our seal bears the symbols of the mace and the scale—representing truth, justice, equality, order, and peace. These are the very ideals that EDSA stood for. These are the same ideals that must continue to guide our generation.

Though we did not personally march along EDSA in 1986, we inherit the responsibility of safeguarding the democracy won by those who did. The freedoms we enjoy today were not given freely—they were fought for. And democracy is not something we simply receive; it is something we must actively protect and strengthen.

On this 40th anniversary, we call on the youth to remember with gratitude and act with purpose. Let us use our voices boldly. Let us engage, participate, and hold leaders accountable. Let us prove that the spirit of EDSA lives not only in history books, but in the everyday actions of empowered young Filipinos.

May we never forget the legacy of EDSA. More importantly, may we continue to live it—through courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the nation we love.

24/02/2026

Maligayang kaarawan kay Senator Risa Hontiveros! 🎉🎉🎉

Si Sen. Risa ay isa sa mga lider na lubos na iginagalang ng aming samahan dahil sa kanyang matatag na paninindigan at walang sawang pagtataguyod para sa West Philippine Sea, karapatan ng kababaihan, kalusugan ng mamamayan, at kapakanan ng kabataan.

Mula sa Ang Samahan ng Kabataang Amputi Layag, taos-puso po naming binabati ang inyong kaarawan. Nawa’y patuloy kayong pagpalain ng lakas at karunungan sa inyong paglilingkod sa bayan. 🎉

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

ASKAL was recognized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod through SP Resolution 25(A)-070 dated September 18, 2025, for bringing prestige to the city as one of the Top 5 Awardees in the 2025 Provincial KaAGA Awards: Search for Outstanding Youth and Youth-Serving Organizations, held in August 2025.

ASKAL received a plaque and a copy of the resolution today, December 1, 2025, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The Provincial Kabataan Ang Galing Awards honor exceptional individuals, youth development officers, and youth organizations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to youth development.

IN PHOTO:
First Photo
Top Row (Left to Right): City Councilor Dr. George Calugay; City Councilor Caren Joyce Frias; SK Federation President Reyna Jamaica Tamondong. Bottom Row (Left to Right): Liga ng Barangay President Alexander Magat; City Councilor Rolando “Nick” Cano; City Councilor Samuel “Sam” Baniqued; ASKAL Deputy Secretary-General Melchor Melendez; ASKAL Founder Lemuel Gio Cayabyab; ASKAL Member Melanio Gabriel Somera; City Councilor Elpidio “Bido” Fermin Jr.; City Councilor Eddie “Manoy” Garcia; City Councilor Winston Manuel Millora; City Councilor Dr. Christian Cancino

Second Photo:
ASKAL Deputy Secretary-General Melchor Melendez; ASKAL Founder Lemuel Gio Cayabyab; ASKAL Member Melanio Gabriel Somera.

01/12/2025

ASKAL Reaccredited for 2025–2028

ASKAL has once again been accredited as a youth organization in the City of San Carlos, Pangasinan. The 2025–2028 accreditation affirms the organization’s continued commitment to youth development, participatory governance, and service to the young people of the city.

Last November 24, 2025, ASKAL officially received its Certificate of Accreditation from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the 2025–2028 cycle. The organization has been consistently accredited by the Local Government Unit of San Carlos City for three consecutive terms: 2019–2022, 2022–2025, and now 2025–2028. ASKAL looks forward to sustained growth and stronger partnerships in the years ahead.

IN PHOTO:
City Councilor Samuel “Sam” Baniqued; SK Federation President Reyna Jamaica Tamondong; City Councilor Dr. Christian Cancino; City Councilor Caren Joyce Frias; City Councilor Eddie “Manoy” Garcia; City Councilor Elpidio “Bido” Fermin Jr.; ASKAL Minister of Parliament for Economic Empowerment Joyell T. Muñoz; ASKAL Secretary-General Kenneth Samera; City Vice Mayor Joseres S. Resuello; City Councilor Rolando “Nick” Cano; City Councilor Dr. George Calugay; and City Councilor Winston Manuel Millora.

29/11/2025

IKULONG NA ’YAN—MGA KURAKOT!

WE AT ASKAL JOIN THE CALL TO HOLD ALL OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR CORRUPTION—FROM MALVERSATION, PLUNDER, GRAFT, GHOST PROJECTS, SUBSTANDARD PROJECTS, AND OTHER ABUSES OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

WE DEMAND NOT ONLY BETTER FLOOD CONTROL AND MITIGATION PROJECTS BACKED BY REAL RESEARCH, LONG-TERM PLANNING, AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION, BUT ALSO A GOVERNMENT THAT IS TRANSPARENT AND WORTHY OF PUBLIC TRUST. WE CALL FOR JUSTICE—TO PROSECUTE AND IMPRISON NOT JUST THE SMALL OPERATIVES UNDER CONTRACTORS, CRONIES, AND DPWH OR ANY OTHER AGENCY, BUT ALSO THE CORRUPT ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ENABLE AND BENEFIT FROM THESE SCHEMES.

SIGAW NG KABATAANG AMPUTI LAYAG: IKULONG NA ’YAN MGA KURAKOT!

29/11/2025

TRILLION PESO MARCH TOMORROW

Ang Samahan ng Kabataaang Amputi Layag joins the call for transparency and accountability. We must all hold corrupt officials accountable for their crimes against the people. We at ASKAL support the Trillion Peso March.

The Trillion Peso March is a massive 2025 protest across the Philippines sparked by allegations of corruption in flood-control and infrastructure projects — claims that as much as ₱1.9 trillion was siphoned off through ghost or substandard contracts over the last 15 years.

Thousands of Filipinos — including students, church groups, civil society and labor organizations — took to the streets on Sept. 21 and again tomorrow Nov. 30 wearing white, calling for transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms rather than targeting any single politician.

The March has since evolved into a broader movement featuring weekly protests and coordination across major cities, aiming to keep pressure on the government until public funds are recovered and systemic graft is addressed.

See you tomorrow at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John in Dagupan City, Pangasinan from 5-7pm.

29/11/2025

P500 Challenge?

Bagamat mabuti ang intensyon ni DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Roque sa pagsasabing kaya umanong makapaghanda ng Noche Buena sa halagang P500—na sinasabing sapat para sa spaghetti, macaroni salad, at hamon—malinaw na malayo ito sa realidad at tila pagmamaliit sa kalagayan ng mga Pilipino. Naglabas pa sila ng paliwanag para ipagtanggol ang sarili, ngunit hindi pa rin katanggap-tanggap dahil hindi man lang isinama sa costing ang hotdog (na karaniwan sa Filipino-style spaghetti), giniling na baka o baboy (na sobrang mahal ngayon), asin, paminta, mantika, bawang, sibuyas, gasul, iba pang sangkap na pampasarap, at iba pang gastusin.

Dagdag pa rito, ang sinasabi nilang handang Noche Buena na nagkakahalaga ng P500 ay tinatantiyang para lamang sa 2–3 tao. Tandaan: ang karaniwang household sa bansa ay may apat na miyembro. Bukod dito, halatang hindi tugma sa aktwal na presyo ang kanilang costing dahil puro processed at murang sangkap ang basehan, hindi kalidad. Ano ba ang ibig nilang sabihin—na hindi karapat-dapat ang Pilipino sa maayos at disenteng handa?

We condemn DTI sa pagiging out of reach o malayo sa tunay na sitwasyon, at nananawagan tayo sa pamahalaan na ayusin ang takbo ng ekonomiya upang maging abot-kaya ang de-kalidad na pagkain at pangangailangan ng mamamayan.

Kayo—saan na aabot ang P500 ninyo?