A message to the next generation, written by a student

Every year, the Philippines seems to fall into a cycle of disorder and instability. You scroll through the news or turn on the television only to be bombarded with reports of crime and an endless parade of political scandals. It can be hard not to lose hope in our country.

Hard realities in the Philippines led to thousands of talented Filipino youth choosing to pursue their education abroad, or worse, leave the country entirely. Once a nation that thrived alongside South Korea and Singapore, we now find ourselves lagging, struggling to keep up. There is no doubt that one of the primary drivers of this significant decline is the persistent inefficiency and corruption in our nation. 

Yet, despite the frustration and disillusionment, one truth remains: change has never come from mere complaints and resignation. True and lasting change comes from God working through deliberate and informed action—something I know the Filipino youth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are capable of.

No matter how flawed our education system may seem, the Philippines undeniably continues to produce hardworking and intelligent individuals. When faced with a complex problem in school, we can think critically, analyze the situation, and find our way out of the dark tunnel—the tunnel of our nation’s boundless calls for improvement and cries for help.

It can be difficult to internalize this concept when we often hear malicious voices telling us we are too young to make a change, too naive to understand, or too meddlesome to matter. But submitting to such baseless and foolish claims would simply weaken the Filipino people. 

As the youth, God has given us the power to shape the future of our nation. We are not helpless and hopeless by His grace. Our voices do not simply echo in the wind; they are the driving force behind significant movements and reforms. Every ballot we cast, every leader we scrutinize, and every choice we make contribute to the direction our country takes.

You are not weak, fellow student and young adult—there is so much we can do. We are placed in this time and era by God for a reason. The thought of having such power at our fingertips may seem overwhelming, but remember these words from Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

With the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, you need not fear. Do not belittle yourself, nor allow hesitation to silence your voice or restrain your actions. You are called to stand firm and to speak boldly.

And if you ever find yourself on the verge of giving up on our country or withdrawing from the political battlefield, take these words from Isaiah 1:17 to heart: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

As someone blessed with the ability to vote, you have been given the opportunity to reflect God’s justice and righteousness. Use it wisely. Research your candidates well. Seek God and His purpose. Do not let the devil sow hopelessness and powerlessness in your heart. Stand your ground, hold fast to the truth, and make your choice with wisdom and conviction. Your vote is not just a right—it is a responsibility.

And who knows? Maybe one day, you can become the person God situates to stand up on the podium with your fellow Filipino youth rooting for you.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

In every season and circumstance, our ultimate hope is not in any election or government, but in Jesus Christ, the King of kings who reigns forever.

About the author:

Andreanna Dy of Victory Pasig is an incoming college freshman and a contributor to The Manila Times newspaper. As an aspiring independent journalist, her greatest desire is to give a voice to the voiceless through her writing.