Role of Filipino You in Nation Building

Youth is that period when man is full of energy, ambitions and zest for life. The power possessed by youth us a recognized force today. The power or the energy can be used for both constructive and destructive purposes. Whenever there is unrest in a country, political forces use youth to further their selfish interests. During Edsa Revolutions, there were widespread agitations in which thousands of students participated. Many of them join to protest against the policies of the government.

Philippines is a country with a huge population. Those between the ages of 15 to 35 form more than half of the total population. Thus Philippines has a vast potential of youth power. The students, employees, farmers, workers and persons from various professions, including the educated unemployed are the elements which really matter in all fields of our national life. Unfortunately, a large portion of youth is without any proper direction. That is why often our young people are full of frustration. It is dangerous to let our young men and women remain idle an as it would enhance their frustration. This may lead to chaos and disturbance.

Moreover, if our youth is idle, it will be a sheer wastage of a great energy. No country can afford such wastage. What is needed is that the young men and women should be directed properly to engage in some constructive work. If this potential is tapped adequately, our massive youth power can work wonders for the national reconstruction. The Filipino youth have never lagged behind when called upon to meet a challenge. But for this, our national leaders will have to behave in a responsible way. They should' not exploit the youth for their own selfish motives. They should mobilize their abilities by providing them with suitable avenues.

The task of nation building is very challenging and can be divided into phases. Everyone can contribute towards it according to his or her capabilities. First of all, the young people should be made to understand a specific project and its importance to the society. They should be given a suitable direction so that they can work hard for its fulfillment. This will make them satisfied by the realization that they have been assigned & role in the nation building. Therefore, it would be wise for the government to associate the young people WID all such programmies which concern them. It is not difficult to mobilize the youth for national building provided someone offers them the right and honest leadership. Once they are genuinely involved, their interest in constructive work will be aroused. They would be prepared to work sincerely for the welfare of the society and the country.

The involvement of youth in the task of nation building will have a double advantage. On the one hand, the vast idle man-power will be successfully mobilized, and on the other, the young people will be saved from falling a prey to the antisocial elements. By giving a right direction to the young, the possibilities of violence unrest and disturbance will also be greatly reduced.. It is, therefore, in the national interest that the youth should be engaged in the task of national building. Their involvement would generate a sense of pride and self confidence in them. It will also raise their morale. As they would remain busy in constructive work, their minds would not go astray towards destructive ideas.

Thus, the youth are full of vast and untapped energy. Each country must see that its youth power is properly utilized. It is the duty of the society to see that the youth is not corrupted by the corrupt leaders. In the pre time, most of our universities have become hot beds of politics. Elections to the student unions are aided helped by political parties and corrupt leaders. Student leaders hold a lot of power. They may be used by rival groups of teachers to disturb the academic environment. Our government should make efforts to free our colleges and universities from the bane of politics. When in colleges and universities, the youth should be kept buys with academic courses and sports. When they are free, they should be engaged hi fruitful activities. Only then can we use the youth power for the task of nation building.