We, 39 participants coming from 10 countries, including delegates from 14 migrant youth organizations have come together in Barcelona, Spain on 24-26 June 1999 for a youth encounter with the theme " Sino at Ano Kami: Mga Kabataang Pinoy sa Europe ? " (What and Who are We: The Filipino Youth in Europe?)

As a Filipino youth sector, we are present in Europe in the following ways: some of us have joined our parents here in the mid 80's and 90's. Some of us were born here in Europe either of Filipino parents or bi-cultural marriages. Some of us are young people who have come to work, study or have joined our parents as political refugees.

As a second generation, we have rich multi-cultural diversities as we experience different aspects of migration. As such we are faced with a challenge to address the question of our own voice as youth within the Filipino migrant community and within a multi-cultural Europe.

In this encounter, we have identified issues and concerns that we face on a daily basis as follows:

• Restrictive immigration policies of European governments particularly affecting the situation of undocumented youth migrants;
• Lack of communication, conflicting values between youth and parents as a result of interaction of diverse cultures;
• Question of identity as a result of a multi-cultural environment and influence;
• Likewise, the growing concern of sexuality and gender issues.

Together with our parents, we experience racism and discrimination (education, peer groups, workplace, etc.) which contributes to social problems faced by youth such as juvenile delinquencies as manifested on the rise of drug abuse, school drop out and early pregnancies and marriages.

In this contextt, we recognize our responsibilities and capabilities to improve our situation and to contribute towards the building of a Europe that is non-racist, recognizing equality of rights for all migrant youth regardless of race, education and social status.

As Filipino youth, we are in integral part of a larger Philippine society particularly the youth sector. Thus, we assert our right to participate in the transformation of a better Philippine society. In response to these challenges, we, the Filipino youth in Europe, unite to promote the spirit of unity and cooperation through:

Initiate seminars, cultural workshops, training and skills and capacity building to enable us to understand both the Philippine culture and European culture in order to enrich/enhance our personal growth and development.

As we move toward the new millenium in recognizing our potentials, we commit to assert our one voice, our efforts and actions towards the realization of a Europe that is just and non-racist and at the same time involve ourselves in the participative transformation and development of the Philippine society.

Filipino Youth Encounter in Europe
Barcelona, Spain, June 1999

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