VERBAL EDGE

by Eleazar Ojales

    "It is important to recognize the youth as a unique group in society due to the many aspects of vulnerability they face while passing through a major stage in their lives. In addition to the recognition of the vulnerability associated with transitional nature of the identity of the youth, it is equally important to recognize the youth as a positive force, as a human resource with enormous potentials for contributing to development" ("Review of the Youth Situation, Policies and Programs in the Asia and the Pacific," UN ESCAP).

    Our government also recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building. Article 2, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution states: "The State... shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being and...inculcate in the youth nationalism and patriotism; and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs."

    But, is recognizing the potential of the youth as a human resource a positive force? We are currently bombarded with issues regarding the passage of a divorce bill, and a bill lawfully allowing abortion and marriage of the same sex. Is the protection of the moral and spiritual well-being of the youth being addressed to by these bills? Or are these lawmakers blind to what the Charter states in promoting the rights and welfare of the youth?

    Why are these legislators not acting on the much pressing needs like lack of classroom facilities, lack of teachers, higher tuition fee rates, low quality of education and lack of alternative learning schemes? All these needs are to be addressed and be given focus by our legislators and not on bills which are morally degrading to the youth.

    Education has always been considered pivotal in the nation's quest for social and economic progress. It is then imperative that the quality of education should be on a par with global standards. The students should be provided with quality learning for them to productively respond to the needs and demands of the global environment, as well as the local environment. Lack of quality education only pulls down youths.

    Education is valued among the youths as a requirement for finding good jobs in the future. That's why quality education should be encouraged to continuously equip the youth with new knowledge and expertise in accordance with the demands of the emerging global and national trends.

    The role of the youth as a progressive tool in nation-building would never be realized if the present educational system, which is continuously feeding them now, lacks the proper nourishment their fragile minds need.