Investing in today’s generation, redefining tomorrow’s future

Wayback in elementary, the most often question I used to answer is “What you want to be in the near future?”  And I am always so eager to respond that I want to be the President of the Philippines. At a young age, I was awed and struck by the immense opportunities and privileges attached to the presidency; having to ride a black limousine, presidential security escorts, countless travels here and abroad and other perks and benefits fit for a head of state.

The ignorance that I bear dispelled the risks and responsibilities a president have inline of his performance of duty.  I did take into consideration perhaps the obligation to more than 100 Million Filipinos. Knowing so would perhaps change my answer.

Today most of you would have to figure out or are figuring out the answers to the same question. It is necessary that at this point, we are clear and sure enough of what path we are taking in the future.

However, today’s scenarios compel us to make decisions far from what we believe we can be. It has been hard for us to set the directions we want for ourselves. We end up failing to lead our individual ambitions.

The challenges we bear today require us of the new breed of leaders coming from our ranks. The young people of this generation should believe and work for the betterment of this nation. It will always be difficult along the way, fighting with our personal demons; vices, negative influences and character. Our desire to change beginning with ourselves should not end up from answering the question “What I will become in the near future?” It has to be lived and in order for us to succeed we have to work the hardest way. A leader is measured not by how high he rose from the rank but how much he worked for it.

(Close your eyes, and raise your right hand after this question)Who among you here are leaders? (Now open your eyes and look around you)

Being a leader begins with our acceptance that we are. You need not to be the president or any other position in that case for you to be called a leader. By that simple acknowledgement that you are makes a difference.

So what kind of leadership are we looking for?

Leadership with Humility

We are in times when leadership positions are adhered as something grand and powerful, filled with the vast expectation that a position is such a maneuvering factor. That those who seat in the position are as divine as the Gods of the Olympus, that they shall be worshipped and adored with outmost reverence.

We need today leaders who build in to the character of humility, acknowledging our vulnerabilities as human without underscoring others’ capabilities. We lead to serve rather than lead to be served.

Leadership with Passion and Commitment

It is important that we have the dedication in all things we do. This measures the success and the fulfillment of our desired outcome. 

Leadership with a heart creates a significant spark in every decision that we take and in every endeavor that we envision. An attitude that we do it because we love to it not because we are force to do it, the results would always be different.

So what do we have today?

Leadership and Relevant Education

Building our attitude towards positive leadership is best accompanied by the simulated learning we have in school in our community and with ourselves. The introduction of the K-12 Program in the Basic Education Curriculum enhances our position as the future leaders of this nation.

K-12 Program  which seeks to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment and entrepreneurship is necessary to ready you for the challenges of today and of the future.

This is an investment made by the government to insure that we will have the best people ready to take the lead in the future of this nation. We need not to be in those high ranking positions. You need not to be the President I dreamt to be one in order for you to help this country. We have our distinct roles to play in the society. We have our own responsibilities to take care of. It has to begin by being good children to our parents, good students and mindful and conscientious citizens of our communities.

Leadership and the Nation’s Future

What lies ahead in the future of this country depend on how we take actions today. Be informed. Education shapes our future as Filipinos; it is our duty to be aware of reforms in basic education that will move our country forward. The K-12 program is just among the mechanisms sought to improve the quality of life of this nation. It is an investment sought to reinvigorate our demand for quality individuals who would soon be the front-runners of the country.

These young individuals will not just be alone in their quest to be the future leaders. The parents have to take in the responsibility of providing guidance and support. It will not always be the money and the socio-economic status, we have to go beyond it and persevere.

I came from a family who has no stable income then. My father is tricycle driver and my mother is the best housewife ever. But our lack of money did not hamper us from pursuing our dreams, from taking the lead and become what we want to be. Our parents had paved the way for us to dream big and aim high—sky is the limit. Dear parents, we have to be the leaders first for our children, our outmost wisdom and guidance is very critical in the formation of these future leaders.   

Close your eyes and think again of the question “What will you become in the future?” Are we ready to show them that we are leaders in the making? Now open your eyes. Tap the shoulder of the person next to your right and say “congratulations this country had its hope again!”

(A speech delivered during Miagao National High School's Parangal 2013 last March 18, 2013)