Among the many reasons why the youth should know our national hero Jose Rizal is for them to increase their love for the Philippines, aside from knowing his ideals, among which is his belief that “the pen is mightier than the sword”.
Rizal chose to use his pen in bringing down Spanish colonizers, teaching and reminding us that problems and challenges can be and should be solved in peaceful ways. He lived his life for the country and devoted his years to public service. Rizal’s strong belief in the strength and potential of the younger generation is contained in his famous line, “The youth is the hope of the fatherland,” where he implied that the future of the nation lies in the hands of the youth.
But the question I posed before more or less 700 Grade 12 students of Bacolod City National High School on the hero’s 162nd birth anniversary on June 19 was “If Rizal is alive today, would he see the youth worthy of the legacy he left them?”
I asked in Hiligayon, “Kon buhi ayhan si Rizal kag makita niya ang mga ginakasaku-an niyo, ayhan malipay siya?” (If Rizal is alive and he sees your preoccupations, do you think he will be happy?)
Seeing the need to re-ignite nationalism among younger Filipino students, the Doctor in Public Administration and Master in Public Administration programs of the School of Graduate Studies of STI West Negros University launched the first of a series of lectures and seminars centered on love of country and the youth’s role in nation building and good governance in BCNHS.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mima Villanueva said the lecture series is part of the Public Administration Program’s outreach activities that aim to educate and empower the youth through seminars and workshops on ethical leadership, nationalism and other activities.
“Our DPA and MPA students and alumni, majority of whom are government officials and experts in their respective fields, are taking the lead in organizing and holding these activities that aim to discover and train future leaders of the community. We believe that like Rizal, our students should concretize their learnings through application and active community involvement,” explained Villanueva.
In the lecture, Dr. Eric Saratan, former mayor of Talisay City in Negros Occidental, challenged students to live with a purpose and to go beyond mere posting on social media memes and funny content. Dr. Saratan stressed that it is the duty of every Filipino to take care of his country, and for young people like the audience, they can start by being involved in their respective barangays through the Sangguniang Kabataan.
“I know that you are very skillful and smart members of the community. That is why I strongly encourage you to get involved in your respective communities, use your God-given gifts. That will be a good start. Be socially and politically aware. Monitor what is happening in your barangays, local governments and the national government,” said Saratan.
Belle Regine Ann Chavez, Local Government Operations Officer II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government of Negros Occidental, discussed the brief history of the SK, emphasizing that it is the training ground of future leaders of the country. She also explained Republic Act 10742 which establishes reforms in the SK creating enabling mechanisms for meaningful youth participation in nation building.
Bacolod Councilor Israel Salanga urged young people to be like Rizal when it comes to hunger for learning. He underscored the importance of humility, teachability, perseverance, patience, dedication and having a heart for public service. He also encouraged them to exercise their right of suffrage especially in choosing the next SK and barangay leaders in the upcoming SK and Barangay Elections in October.
The said programs of the School of Graduate Studies of STIWNU have a partnership with the BCNHS that aims to pursue activities that will further empower the youth and harness their leadership skills.
“BCNHS agreed to partner with the STWNU DPAD and MPAD programs because the topics and the fora they facilitate are relevant to the learning of students which can make them critical thinkers and analytical in dealing with day-to-day life problems. Moreso, activities like this inspire and motivate the youth to take an active part in the country’s governance,” said Gelangre.
Kara Ysabella Cobias, president of the Supreme Student Government, in her speech expressed her strong belief that change must start within ones’ self and that they, being the younger members of the community, must start now.
“We must be mindful of what we are doing both online and offline. We also realized that we must not only be responsible but accountable citizens. Everyone can make this world a better place and that everything starts in our own homes. We must take each day as an opportunity to be better and do better, as future leaders,” said Cobias.
The team will be visiting schools and barangays as we continue to reach out to the youth, get them involved in governance and re-ignite their love and concern for the country as a whole.*
