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by: Ronald S.Cena
I am sick and tired of hearing this old adage “the youth is the hope of our land. I don’t even understand why Rizal made such statement. Perhaps, because I do not care. Why would I then?
But my views suddenly changed when i get into highschool. I gradually absorbed the essence of Rizal’s aphorism—realizing my worth in this society. I appreciated my opportunity of having education. I started to acknowledge every moment I am in school where i learn so much about life. Those values I acquired from my teachers helped me shape my being. Suffice it to say, these contributed to making me the person I am now.
I admit that I am not intelligent. I do not even have a strong say about relevant issues. I am still trying to become wise, enough to understand the things which concern me and my fellowmen. Thus, I make more readings now. This will give me much awareness regarding the past, present and the upcoming.
When I was deciding on what course to take in college, arealization was born and that is I want to be of service for others. I then took BS Developmant Communication program at the Batangas State University. Being in the said program, changed my perspective in helping people: I now understant that to serve people is to help them help themselves. I then joined the journalism majors. I found it helpful because if I graduated with such a degree, I would be able to serve better—responsibly, even. I am becoming so idealistic. Right now, I am so sure that will not allow myself to be a victim of bribery and threats. No matter what it takes, I will seek for the truth.
I believe that every youth could contribute to the development of the country by just doing what he is called to do–as long as it does not harm anybody. In my case, I would use the influence of writing to educate, to infuse values, to inform people of the societal issues, to suggest reasonable solutions to existing problems and to lead every Filipino towards understanding one another.
More so, since I have just turned eighteen, I would wholeheartedly practice my suffrage in the coming 2010 elections. Voting responsibly and wisely will eventually foster the country. Having a good leader that will manage the entire state is indeed an advantage. To have such, we must take a wise and collective effort of choosing. Let us not sell our precious votes for a certain price or means: remember that the consequence of our decisions will far outweigh these short-term supplements.
How can we say that we have a progressive nation? Is it by having an economic development? Probably, it is just a factor. It is not an end but a means to an end. Meaning, it is just a contributory component towards national development. We must also consider the preservation of our culture, patronizing of local goods, conservation of natural resources and healthy socialization.
As youth, we can preserve our culture through practicing our Filipino values and customs such as using “po” and “opo” in talking to the elderly, accepting visitors cordially and obeying our parents. We must always assume that we are the best role models; hence, we may be obliged to do rightful actions for the younger ones to follow.
Since the greatest percentage of the country’s population is the youth, why don’t we take initiatives in promoting our local industries? Let us patronize the Filipino products so as to promote our goods—to boost our economy. If this happens, there will be more jobs and livelihood opportunities waiting for Filipino workers in the country. Furthermore, the Philippine work force will be strengthened.
In nation building, it is necessary that we respect and love our countrymen. No matter what religion we are in, customs we practice, languages we speak; let us consider that we are from one race.
To be honest, I used to speaking vulgar and hurtful words about and towards others. My frankness sometimes tends to be irrational to the extent that I almost lost etiquette. I know that being so unethical in communicating is a dangerous manner. I could lose friends or worse, destroy people. By pondering on such matter, I realized that I should mellow down. Those usual arguments regarding religious beliefs which led me to discriminate and stereotype people ironically changed my outlook in life. It became clear to me that religion has nothing to do with the way you act: it is your relationship with God that will suggest what you are.
If every Filipino would consider this thought, definitely the nation will advance farther. There would be more understanding among us; therefore, we can work undividedly for the betterment of our country.
Inasmuch as we love our nation, we should also protect our natural resources. Again, as a youth and a future journalist, I would advocate in my writing the preservation of our environment. I will not just inform every body about preventing pollutions, managing the ecosystem properly and reviving the destroyed natural resources, I will act on them as well.
These things are simple gestures that the youth could do. We may have our own individualities; still we can make for a better nation. All we have to do is to use our differences and various capabilities to complement a collective effort towards development. Let us be active. Let us be the instrument of progress. Let us be—the catalysts of change.
