Letters for the Filipino Youth

Dear Young People of the Philippines, 

You are our country's ray of hope, the beacon of hope that will lead our people to a better future. The power to triumph over ignorance, injustice, and division is in your hands. Don't let indifference or fear stop you. Rather, allow knowledge to hone your intellect, allow empathy to govern your emotions, and allow bravery to drive your behavior. Recall that the quest for truth, harmony, and advancement is just as important to achieving true freedom as winning on the battlefield. Young people, you are the ones who will build our country in the future, so stand firm.

My dear Filipino Youth,

You are the strength of our nation and the guiding light of tomorrow. As Dr. Jose Rizal once said, “Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan.” Your lives, dreams, and courage are the seeds that will grow into the future of our country. In your hands lies the power to build a nation founded on truth, justice, and compassion.  Nurture your minds with wisdom, strengthen your hearts with love for the motherland, and let your actions inspire hope for generations to come. Be strong, for you are not just the hope of the nation—you ARE the future. 

I write to you over the years as someone who once shared your hope, not as a complete stranger. I used to think—and still think—that you, kayong mga kabataan, are the pag-asa ng bayan. This is a duty to uphold with pride and purpose, not just a phrase to admire. 

The Philippines is based on the aspirations and deeds of its youth as well as the valor of its heroes. You are the creators of the future, the guardians of the truth, and the innovators of fresh concepts. Your voice counts. Your decisions count. Your youth is your greatest strength, so never assume that it makes you weak.

Use your time wisely. Learn with curiosity. Speak with courage. Love your country not with blind loyalty, but with a heart that seeks justice and truth. Know our history, so that you may write a better future for us and our country. The chains we broke in the past should not return in silence. Stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Remember: it is better to offer your mind to the service of the nation than to watch it sleep in comfort. 

Let your talents serve others. Let your dreams include your people. Let your hearts remain brave. I may not walk beside you now, but I walk with you always, in every step you take toward a free, just, and proud Philippines. Hold the flag high.  Do not let it fall.

My Beloved Youth,

You are the noble hope of the motherland. The destiny of our country lies on your shoulders, and the power to create a righteous and prosperous Philippines is in your hands. Cultivate your minds with wisdom, fortify your character with righteousness, and direct your actions with empathy. 

The world will challenge you with temptations of greed, selfishness, and apathy. Turn away from them. Instead, strive for truth, accept unity, and serve your country not with hollow words but with hard work.

 Remember, real freedom is not just the lack of shackles but the existence of dignity, justice, and equality. Get up, youth, and carry on the dream of a nation where all Filipinos can stand tall, fearless, and free.

Mahal kong Kabataang Pilipino,

Kayo ang pag-asa at lakas ng ating bayan. Ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas ay nakasalalay sa inyong mga kamay. Sa panahon ngayon na mabilis kumalat ang kasinungalingan at maling balita, napakahalaga ng tapang ninyo na piliin ang katotohanan at ipaglaban ang tama.

Tandaan ninyo na ang edukasyon ang pinakamakapangyarihang sandata. Huwag lang kayong mag-aral para sa grado, kundi para magkaroon ng kaalaman, pag-unawa, at malasakit sa kapwa. Huwag basta maniwala sa matatamis na salita o pangakong walang laman. Sa halip, maging kabataang may paninindigan, tapat at handang maglingkod para sa ikabubuti ng lahat.

Si Rizal ay naniwala sa kakayahan ng kabataan—at kayo ang patunay na totoo ito. Mangarap kayo nang malaki, magsikap nang buong puso, at huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Sama-sama, kaya ninyong buuin ang isang bansang makatarungan, nagkakaisa, at puno ng pag-asa.