Youth
PRESIDENT NOYNOY VOWS TO SUPPORT CITIZEN’S INITIATIVE
Manila, Philippines — President Benigno Simeon Aquino III said it is high time for the Filipino People to change their perceptions of their country and to help rebuild this country from its present state. He also urged the Youth to lead in the cultural transformation of the Philippines.
Aquino made the appeal during the launch of the Kabayanihan Foundation, a citizen’s group composed of students, young professionals and entrepreneurs held at the La Consolacion College in Manila last November 30, 2010. Over a thousand young people from over thirty (30) public and private high schools and colleges in Manila took part in the launch which aims to re-ignite a Cultural revolt to transform the Filipino mindset about the country and to once more convince people to participate in nation-building.
During his speech, the President agreed with the Kabayanihan Foundations’ initiative to engage and empower the citizenry towards nation-building. Aquino said that the key towards national unity is the inculcation of the right values which are innate to Filipinos. He cited the need for Filipinos to engage in positive talk, highlighting the fact that the government right now is doing its best in promoting the country and steering it towards the right economic direction. Aquino made an example of how Filipinos viewed his recent foreign trips where the government managed to get billions of dollars’ worth in investments.
“We have made great in-roads in our economic recovery plan. Let us, as a Nation, unite behind government in its quest for a better life to all,” said the 51 year old Chief Executive amidst applause from thousands who were in attendance.
Atty. Alexander Lacson, chairman emeritus of the Foundation made a stirring presentation. He narrated how he, together with a few others, decided to build the Foundation as their contribution towards nation-building. Lacson also read a poem and encouraged the people to join him in an oath of commitment for the country.
Foundation president Atty. Siegfred Mison meanwhile, told the public why a Cultural transformation is needed in these times. Mison said that Filipinos are inherently great, and it is time for Filipinos to bring back those old and traditional values which made the world stand up and take notice of the Philippines.
Forty seven (47) different partner organizations from the government and private sectors as well as diverse youth groups were in attendance to support the launch. A book entitled “12 Little Things Our Youth Can Do to Help Our Country”was also launched. The Foundation also announced their future activities aimed at generating public awareness of citizens’ empowerment and engagement.
Twelve youth speakers belonging to numerous youth groups spoke and committed themselves to the Kabayanihan cause. Those who spoke included: Renz Francis Sasa (Boy Scout of the Philippines); Von Yacob (Department of Education Supreme Student Government); Joe Vincent Aguila (Student Council Alliance of the Philippines); Marlon Jhef Pineda (President-United Nations Youth Advocates of the Philippines) Charlemagne Chua (Pilipinas Rotaract); Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman (Asia America Initiative); Harold Gardon (Ateneo Student Leaders Assembly); Bernard Dy (Jaycees Phils); Pristine Roxas (Campus Crusade for Christ); Joseph Anthony Quesada (Ayala Young Leaders Alliance); Leo Ver Janohan (Youth for Christ) and Benedict Cruz (Gawad Kalinga Youth).The entire audience whole-heartedly made an oath promising to abide by the Panata ng Aming Henerasyon, a virtual pact written by Alex Lacson and President Aquino. The pact was signed by the twelve youth speakers.
Shortly after the President’s speech, performances by Biz Rockers, Willy San Juan and daughter May Lee, The Overflow, Tondo Tribe, Jovy Peregrino, and Noel Cabangon enlivened the crowd.
Below is the list of the 12 Little Things for the Youth:
12 Little Things Our Youth Can Do To Help Our Country
1. Be on Time. Honor your commitments.
2. Fall in line. Respect others.
3. Sing our National Anthem with pride.
4. Study well. Give your best in everything you do.
5. Do not cheat or steal. Report any crime or illegal act.
6. Conserve water. Plant a tree. Dispose your garbage properly.
7. Do not smoke. Avoid drugs. Stay away from vices.
8. Buy Pinoy. Do not buy fake or smuggled goods.
9. Save. Invest. Learn business early.
10. During elections, vote & support the best candidates.
11. Respect elders. Practice “mano po.”
12. Pray for our country & people.
