YPS

The Filipino Youth plays a critical role in the causes of social justice and political reform in the country. With 41 percent of the population falling under the Youth sector (with 19% coming from in-school/out of school youth and 22% from the young professionals) the numbers indicate the powerful political force that the youth represents. Since the approval of RA 8044 in 1995 or the "Youth in Nation Building Act" and the creation of the National Youth Commission much more focus has been given on the need for the development and protection of the youth.

Considering the local political scenario and the need for social development and change, the call for more active participation from the youth has never been stronger. With issues of corruption and poor governance combined with a passive working class and an increasing number of children growing up with absentee parents who work as "heroes" of the country, where does the youth fall in?

A number of youth groups belonging to the militant youth, the in-school youth and the young professionals have been actively pursuing changes in the political structure and system albeit in different manners. Historically, the youth has in fact, been at the forefront of fervent political protests such as the First Quarter Storm in the 1970's. Not only has the youth taken part in the revolutionary history of the country, but the passion, idealism and perseverance present in the youth has been the seed of many noble individuals of our country.

Still many young men and women remain uninvolved, remain unconverted. The Filipino youth, the remaining hope of our nation, is slowly losing faith in its own country. The emigration of young workers, doctors becoming nurses; young professionals seeking the "American Dream"- these are but some examples of the reality that is facing our country today. Not included are those who have simply given up, thinking that there is nothing that they can do to make things better, nothing that they can say that will make a difference.

That is where they are wrong. It is never too late to get involved. It is not a rebellious youth that is being sought, but a youth that expresses and inspires positive reflection and change. There is no need to go to the streets for the voice of the youth to be heard. Though this may be the case for some, our actions in our homes, workplace and communities will speak for itself; as well as our willingness to express and to acknowledge the wrong from the right and to fight for justice and equality.

It is easy to escape from reality and to put blame on others but without doing anything or objecting to the wrong that is being done then we contribute to the misery ourselves.

Collectively the youth becomes the strongest voice in the country. Let us be a part of that voice for positive change. The youth cannot work alone to fulfill its own personal idealism and purposes. It must assimilate itself in society, working together with the citizenry, becoming aware of the struggles and realities of the people in order to bring about effective change.

At times it may seem easy to believe that we live in our own world, with access to anything and everything that technology or globalization can provide. You are lucky if you are sheltered from the realities, but up to what point will you stay uninvolved and be a foreigner in your own country.

If you are not, what choices do you have? Many. And the first is to fight for your rights.

The upcoming elections will again be a test of the freedom and democracy that our country is so proud of. If we do not exercise our rights, if we turn a blind eye to malicious acts against our country and our people, then we would have failed, not only our country but ourselves as Filipinos. Let us take part in making the voice of the youth strong, the youth that represents the idealism, courage and nationalism that our forefathers had exemplified.

If we cannot look upon the present generation of leaders to bring about the changes that are so much needed in our country then let us do our part and be the heroes of our generation.

Published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Opinion Section on 1 May 2007