If I am to define
commitment, it will be love and dedication. Commitment to the future means
doing everything to acquire the best of tomorrow. That is exactly what
Filipinos want for the Philippines to achieve years from now, in the global picture.
And the youth, being an asset of the country, plays a vital role in the fulfillment
of this aspiration. But the question is, “will we be given the chance?”
Filipinos
tend to erase the inscription labeled upon us (youth) being the “hope,” for the
reason that we lack commitment due to our youthfulness. Is it that so? Isn’t it
that older generations have lost their love and trust in us? That instead of
prioritizing our formation, they find time to humiliate us when we commit
errors, when they should have corrected and encouraged us. Indeed, commitment
to the youth means the love of the Filipinos (adults) for us, their trust in
our capabilities and their dedication for our proper development.
“The youth of today are
lost and hopeless.” Cliché as it may sound, yet it is the greatest
preconception against us these days. It is not very rare when we are scolded by
our parents for staying out at night, or by teachers for not participating in the
class and for failing grades; and even elders for our being unbearable. Now, is
there really hope for the young? Still, the answer is yes. Many may not agree
with this, but who knows the youth, better than the youth? We are young and we
will be giving reasons why Filipinos should not lose hope and should be
committed in nurturing the youth for the betterment of the country.
Youth,
by nature, are sociable, dynamic, and animated. Human as we are, generosity and
a sense of responsibility still flow in our veins, and love, still springs in
our hearts. Despite of our misdemeanors, we continue yearning to be better.
Our
image in the society may not be that good, but still, we want to voice out our
side on why some youth opt to engage in most of today’s scandals – using
prohibited drugs, drinking liquors or alcoholic beverages, indulging in
premarital sex and joining in “fraternities,” among others. It is because of
our being in this stage of life that we seek for many things. According to the
late great Pope John Paul II on the stage of youth, “..during this time, he
searches for answers to basic questions, not only of the meaning of life but of
a concrete way to go about living it.” Yes, we are searching for many things,
and some of us often do those unpleasant things because they think that it
would give meaning and purpose in their lives. They are just being themselves.
Yet,
we don’t want things to remain that way. We are willing to be corrected, not
humiliated. Youth
are the building blocks of a nation. It is a fact that the stronger the youth,
the more developed our country is. The role of the youth in the nation-building
occupies the central place. The countries which utilize their youth in a right
direction are more progressive. The energy and the brightness of minds of youth
act as the torch for the Philippines. On the contrary, the countries which fail
to realize the importance of the youth lag behind in every department of life.
Hence, we, the youth, lack proper patronage. Developed countries are totally
aware of the youth’s worth. More importantly, the Philippines should cater the
needs of the youth: education, employment, recreational activities, etc. in
order to prepare us to lead the country through thick and thin. If the youth is
not in the right direction and is unconcerned about the future of the country,
they will become a burden. Consequently, they will not play any productive
role.
We love
assessments, we really do. We need guidance, a guide who does not walk ahead
and direct, but someone who leads while journeying with us. We are by nature,
effective leaders and followers. We are willing to render service for a cause,
not for a cost, as what many would perceive. We love working together for the common
good. We can change if the adult’s preconception towards us will also change.
And when we see that it brings goodwill, then we will opt to willingly adapt
change within ourselves. Just talk to us sincerely, guides us and we will
surely deliver things even beyond the adult’s expectations. With proper
motivation, guidance, and of course, compliments from the adults, we can be
responsible.
Young people are
not bad at all. We are also very expressive in some other things such as art,
music, fashion, and lingo. But just as expressive as we are with those things,
so are we when it comes to serious and more mature matters. Most of us think
about issues concerning education, religion, family, and good life. Despite our
wildness, we remain idealistic.
After all, the
youth have what it takes to be the best. Only, we are often prejudged and not
given a chance to shine. This is an appeal to all that you may learn to love
the youth and commit yourselves for our holistic growth. We are, and will
always be, the future of the Philippines. Trust us that we can bring to
ourselves and to you, a bright future for our beloved country. PADAYUN!
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