ang kabataan daw ang pag-asa ng bayan

Sadly, very few believe in this cliché today, not even the youth themselves.

Very recently, an alarming increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections and HIV-AIDS among the educated youth and yuppies are reported. What has previously been confined to sex workers and gays have inflicted even those who are supposed to have better discernment of what is right and wrong. Is this an indication of the kind of values the present generation of Filipino youth has?

While modern technology is largely blamed for the disintegration of the youth’s values, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Filipino family is in a crisis – supposed to be the place where values are taught, learned and responsibly shared and lived.

Moreso, society in general seems degenerating: unsolved crimes, proliferation of illegal drugs, impunity and corruption, illiteracy, poverty, vicious cycle of dirty politics, and persistence of godless ideologies pushing young and idealistic Filipinos into the armed violence.

In light of such gloomy scenario, is there a glimmer of hope for motherland’s hope? There is.

Pope Benedict lovingly sends this message to the youth: “Do not be afraid. It is the role of youth to change the world. You can be the builders of a new society.”

To borrow the words of Fr. Willy Samson: There is power in the youth. Youth are not misguided souls just waiting for an opportunity to create problem or mess everything. What they need is a direction from someone who can lead them, who can trust them, who can listen and understand them, who can love them, and believes in their capacity to lead. But all these things should begin in the spirit of love… in the spirit of gathering. If there is a gathering… there is love.

This is why AAGAPAY Youth is taking the challenge.

AAGAPAY Youth commits to become a protagonist in this challenge as it re-instills to the youth cultural and traditional Filipino values, restore nationalism, and resuscitates genuine love for God, fellowmen, nature, and country. It adheres to nonviolence as a form to settle conflicts and disagreements. It will work for peace and the common good and considers solidarity as an exalted value in a civilized society.

The youth has more at stake in what the future brings. Thus AY exhorts the Filipino youth to obey and act upon their call. Through God, they will find the strength to pursue the path that will bring about a better country… a better world.

The future starts today, not tomorrow.

AAGAPAY YOUTH….NOW NA!