Rediscovering the Filipino Values: The Youth Today

I was tasked to host an oration competition held at our college for the high school students with the theme, “Rediscovering the Filipino Values: I see, I act, I advocate”. I found it very interesting and wanted to listen to what the young speakers will have to say. Sadly, I never really listened enough to understand them because my mind went busy wondering about how is the Filipino youth of today.

Shall I be quoting the renowned maxim of Dr. Jose Rizal? “The youth is the hope of our nation” It has been said countless times anywhere and I believe they act upon it to come true.

Then I thought what they love these days, the current technology, gadgets most preferably. They are updated with what’s the “in” thing and others would sacrifice even meals to save money to be able to buy what’s new in the store. Well it’s a great discipline anyway, giving up something so you can have that one thing that you like. But I believe what has lured the youth of today most especially is the internet. I for one, I am reliant on what the internet can give or do for me. Through it, I have discovered helpful tools in education, entertainment, business and much more. Through it, I can be anywhere or talk to people or see things anywhere. Just thinking what I can do with it, I am awed, bless the internet.

As for the youth, I can only be but a witness on how they have been a big part of the market of this technology. What keeps them up till dawn holding their gadgets or stay in front of their laptops or pcs is not the gadget itself but the internet connection. The internet has really been a great tool for many things let alone Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, to gain more knowledge and

expand the youth’s horizon, It is the gateway to the borderless world of ideas that can answer every questions on what, why, how, and when including the do’s and don’ts. It encompasses more than learning and entertainment. Today, I believe, the internet has an important part in molding the youth’s character, to some it could be more than what was taught at home or at schools. If that will be the case, is there something to be afraid of?

I want to believe that the youth of today has seen both sides of things, that the internet has been their tool to gain more knowledge and expand their horizons. That though at times they maybe addicted playing cyber games, they know that the virtual place is but a simulation of the real world that they should make perfect. I believe it is where they can express themselves, be more creative, feel involved in a quest to reach a goal that will help them know the reality of life they will lead one day. That in their wanting to find someone to whom they can confide which leads them to chat rooms, I pray they realize the importance of chastity, honesty, trust and caution. But I also believe that in the middle of this, they still need the guidance of their parents, they should be on guard and always be there to teach them the right way when they are doing it otherwise. 

by:Terranya M Tiamson