Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero has called on college graduates of the Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) to become partners in nation-building and harness the power of technology and communication to make a difference in the life of every Filipino.
Speaking at the MLQU Commencement Exercise held on March 26 at the Victoria Sports Center in Quezon City, Escudero told the graduating class of 2022 to be a solid and reliable partners in building a better society.
After all, they are part of the youth sector, which comprises more than half of the 110 million Philippine population, said Escudero, who is seeking a fresh six-year term in the Senate.
“Para sa akin, ang dapat na maging bagong sigaw, panawagan, prinsipyo at paninindigan ng kabataang Pilipino ay ito: ang kabataang Pilipino ay hindi lamang pag-asa ng bayan. Ang kabataang Pilipino—kayo—dapat maasahan na ng bayan. Hindi niyo kailangan hintayin na kayo’y tumanda, yumaman, magtagumpay, magka-negosyo, sumikat o magkapangalan. Ngayon, dito at kayo mismo dapat maasahan na ng ating Inang Bayan,” Escudero said.
“Sa mahigit kumulang isang daan at sampung milyong Pilipino, sobra kalahati ang nabilang sa nakakabatang henerasyon. Ibig sabahin kung hahayaan na lamang natin ang nagkataong pinanganak sa atin o sa inyo na una sa mundo na balikatin ang mga pasanin ng bansa, kokonti lamang at wala pa sa kalahati ang kumikilos para sa ating bayan,” he added.
He expressed confidence that if the youth will only instill among themselves the same love of country and patriotism displayed by their forefathers, the country will be able to weather all the challenges and come out of the storm triumphantly.
“Kung bawat Pilipino lamang sana, bata man o matanda, kung bawat Pilipino lamang sana, nakapag-aral man o hindi, babae, lalaki o anuman ang kasarian, mayaman o mahirap, may itsura o wala, gagalaw at kikilos para sa ating bansa tungo sa isang direksyon, ay manunumbalik ang pagiging paraiso ng ating bansa,” he stressed.
The present generation, Escudero said, has a distinct advantage over their counterparts from yesteryears because they have the data and information needed in a speed of light, thanks to the modern gadgets that have been widely available to everyone.
They can use these data to work on projects or advocacies that will uplift the lives of the poor, fight poverty and build a more compassionate Philippine society as the country marches towards progress and development.
“Malayong may kakayahan, malayong may teknolohiyang nasa kamay ninyo ang wala kami noon. Kaya walang dahilan ang kasalukuyang henerasyon na hindi mapantayan at hindi malampasan ang narating ng aming henerasyon,” Escudero pointed out.
“Gamit ang armas na binigay sa inyo ng tadhana ng panahon ng teknolohiya, marapat at dapat lamang wag niyo ng gawin at ulitin pa ang pagkakamali ng nagdaang mga henerasyon. Gamitin niyo ang mga armas na ‘yan, gamitin ninyo ang karanasan na meron kayo, gamitin ninyo ang teknolohiyang nandiyan ngayon para malampasan at higitan ang aming narating” he said.
