Escudero calls on youth to be partners in nation-building

(FILE) Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero. INQUIRER.NET/CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines—Senatorial candidate Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero called on the youth to be partners in nation-building.

Escudero made the statement during his speech at 2022 commencement exercise of the Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) last March 26 at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City.

“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 told the college graduates.

(For me, the call, principle and stand of the Filipino youth should be this: A Filipino youth is not just a hope of our nation. The Filipino youth — you — should be the hope of the country. Don’t wait until you become old, rich, successful, businessmen, or become a distinct person. The country should be able to rely on you now.)

Escudero said their contribution will be impactful since they comprise more than half of the 110 million Philippine population.

“Sa mahigit kumulang isang daan at sampung milyong Pilipino, sobra kalahati ang kabilang sa nakababatang henerasyon. Ibig sabihin 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.

(Of the one hundred ten million Filipinos, more than half composes of the youth. So if we only let the old generation carry the problems of our country, it means less than half are contributing for our country.) John Eric Mendoza

/MUF