The Department of Education (DepEd) theme for the SY 2023-2024 End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites, “Kabataang Pilipino Para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” is a powerful call to action for the Filipino youth. It emphasizes their pivotal role in shaping a stronger and more progressive nation, recognizing that the future of the Philippines lies in their hands. This theme is not just a mere slogan; it is a reflection of the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of an entire nation.
As we celebrate the achievements of our Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 12, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners who have successfully completed their respective levels of education, we are reminded of the immense responsibility that rests upon their shoulders. These young individuals are not just graduates; they are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of our beloved country.
The “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, launched by the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, envisions an all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation. It is a call for unity and collaboration, recognizing that the path to progress requires the collective efforts of all Filipinos, especially the youth. As the President himself stated during the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally, “We need the energy, creativity, and passion of our young people to build a better, more prosperous Philippines.”
The EOSY theme perfectly aligns with this vision, highlighting the vital role of education in empowering the youth to become active agents of change. Through their years of learning and growth, our graduates have acquired the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. They have been equipped with the tools to think critically, to innovate, and to lead with compassion and integrity.
However, the journey towards a “Matatag na Kinabukasan” is not without its challenges. The Philippines, like many other nations, faces a myriad of issues, from poverty and inequality to environmental degradation and social unrest. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged in the face of these daunting problems. But as the EOSY theme reminds us, the Filipino youth have the power to rise above these challenges and create a brighter future for all.
History has shown us that young people have always been at the forefront of social change. From the peaceful People Power Revolution that toppled a dictator to the recent youth-led movements advocating for climate action and social justice, the Filipino youth have demonstrated time and again their capacity to drive positive transformation. They are not mere passive recipients of the world they inherit; they are active participants in shaping its destiny.
As educators, parents, and members of the community, it is our responsibility to nurture and support the potential of our young people. We must provide them with the resources, opportunities, and guidance they need to thrive and make a difference. We must create an environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and compassion, one that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity.
The EOSY theme is a reminder that education is not just about acquiring academic knowledge; it is about developing the character, values, and skills necessary to become responsible and engaged citizens. It is about instilling in our youth a sense of pride in their Filipino heritage, a commitment to serving others, and a belief in their own capacity to effect change.
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, let us also reflect on the kind of future we want to build together. Let us ask ourselves: What kind of Philippines do we want to see in the years and decades to come? What role can each of us play in making that vision a reality? How can we support and empower our youth to become the leaders and changemakers our nation needs?
The answers to these questions lie within each of us, but they also lie in the collective power of our youth. As the EOSY theme reminds us, the Filipino youth are the key to a stronger and more progressive Philippines. They are the ones who will carry forward the torch of progress, the ones who will build upon the foundations we have laid.
So let us celebrate our graduates not just for what they have accomplished, but for what they have yet to achieve. Let us inspire them to dream big, to take risks, and to never give up on their vision of a better Philippines. Let us remind them that they are not alone in this journey, that they have the support and love of an entire nation behind them.
To the Class of 2024, as you embark on this new chapter of your lives, remember that you are the hope and the future of our beloved country. You have the power to shape the course of our nation’s history, to create a “Bagong Pilipinas” that is more just, more compassionate, and more prosperous for all. Embrace this responsibility with courage, determination, and a deep sense of purpose.
As we come together to celebrate your achievements and bid you farewell, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering you every step of the way. Together, let us work towards a brighter, more hopeful future for the Philippines, one that is built on the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Filipino youth.
Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!
