SK NATIONAL SUMMIT. Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary, lawyer Marie Rafael, relays former Special Assistant to the President Christopher 'Bong' Go's message to the youth on Saturday (Nov. 24, 2018) at the first Sangguniang Kabataan National Summit, which runs from Nov. 23 to 26, 2018 in Baguio City. (Photo courtesy of PCOO Asec. Marie Rafael)
BAGUIO CITY -- Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go has reiterated the important role of the youth for a "better Philippines."
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the youth to start now. Kung ano man ang gusto mong gawin sa iyong kinabukasan, gawin mo na ngayon. (Whatever you want to do for your future, do it now). Do something that your future self will thank you for because the youth are 'agents of change, future leaders, and innovative entrepreneurs,” Go said in a message delivered by Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary for Legislative Concerns, lawyer Marie Rafael, on Saturday evening (Nov. 24) before hundreds of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers from all over the country.
Rafael represented Go during the First National Sangguniang Kabataan Summit, which is ongoing here until Nov. 26. She emphasized that the youth, as agents of change, has the responsibility to help improve their communities, especially in the campaign against illegal drugs.
"Former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go is urging you, the youth, to help stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country," Rafael said. “The world is becoming complex, and it is an opportunity for you to excel with the different fields like entrepreneurship, programming, new media, and such.”
She urged the young public servants to keep a healthy, drug-free lifestyle despite the country's problem on illegal drugs.
Future leaders
“Leadership is an intangible and important characteristic that allows you to influence and affect the circumstances of the future,” Rafael said, relaying Go's message.
She said exposure to responsibilities at a young age will allow the youth to acquire the necessary knowledge to become competent leaders in the future.
“Leaders are followers who should uphold openness to new ideas, modesty and transparency, and diligence at work, which the youth should learn to exemplify,” she stated.
“I leave you with a challenge. Isipin ninyo kung kano ang pangarap ninyo sa bayan. Ngayon, gawin ninyo ang lahat ng inyong makakaya para mangyari ang mithiing yan, (Think of what you dream for the country. Now, do all you can to achieve what you aim for),” Go's message read.
The 2018 SK National Summit carries the theme “Tunay na Pagbabago, Itataguyod ng mga Kabataang Pilipino” (The youth will carry on real change).
The theme highlights the youth's engagement in entrepreneurship, sports, and healthy lifestyle; gender equality and youth empowerment; the role of youth leaders in dealing with the harmful effects of illegal drugs on health and the communities; helping out-of-school youth; and Filipino core values, among others. (PNA)
