OF LATE, statistics show that the Filipino youth now represents a significant lump of the Philippine population that we wonder how most of them will turn out. Will they be better citizens or as cleverer netizens?
While we trust that from this chunk will emerge the future leaders of the country, we also marvel on the quotation of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, that the youth is "the hope of the Fatherland." Rizal, mirroring himself, had faith on their passion and potential "for the Motherland".
If the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) studies affirm that there are innumerable issues affecting the youth, specifically "poverty, lack of education, drug or substance abuse, vice, crime, and unemployment," how do we see them as future leaders of the country?
Digital World
We live in a world where the new technology has become a way of life for the youth. It's a fact that being poor has nothing to do with the influence of social media and the internet as, sensible and street smart that less privileged kids are, they find ways to be "in the know". They were born in the Digital World.
In its studies on youth development, UNFPA also projects that "these problems not only affect the present generation but also have long-term implications for the country’s future development."
It is an understatement to say that poverty presents a myriad of challenges that hinder their development to be empowered and be part of the nation's growth. It is more than that.
Getting Informed
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 30 million of them between the ages 10-24, comprising 28 percent of the total population.
In the 2023 National Youth Commission demography study, it says there are 31.4 million youth in the 15-30 bracket, where 51.1 percent are male and 48.9 percent, female.
The largest concentration of the young Filipinos are in Region IV-A or Calabarzon, followed by the National Capital Region and Region 3 or Central Luzon in the Top 3.
Enumerating what the UNFPA validated as youth concerns, poverty plays a pivotal role in these areas. And so does the government.
Many would still say that comprehensive solutions from the government are lacking. But aren't there enough policies in place that just needed to be effectively implemented? Better execution of these policies is the key.
Also, private sectors and non-governmental organizations volunteer assistance and support anytime needed. There is more than enough for the youth to get by and be involved in if properly informed.
Due to lack of awareness and factual information, most of the marginalized youth face economic and social challenges blindly and carelessly. To move forward and tread the more progressive path, they need guidance, inspiration, and motivation.
This batch are mostly tech savvy and use social media to communicate and gain factual or fake information from.
It Takes A Village...
How the child turns out to be is partly the responsibility of the community, not just of the family.
The popular proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child," suggests that the environment and immediate community of people influence their growth and development.
Of the 16.7 million Filipinos living below the poverty line, education takes a back seat as survival is generally the poor family's priority ... or excuse. This mindset makes them vulnerable to exploitation.
To escape the harsh realities of life, many are too defenseless and susceptible that they most likely end up as a liability to the community.
Barangays earnestly attempt to share and introduce programs and build structures for the youth to allow them to connect with the physical — and not virtual — community.
Studies show that what the youth of today value the respect of peers and have less interest in family. Sadly, peer groups — including virtual friends — are the only community they would rather be connected with.
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com, luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
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