Theme: Kabata ni Jose: Pag-asa ng Bayan Title: Hope Today Finding A New Rizal : Tomorrows

A teen-age son hacked his mother and half-sister several times with a bolo! A thirteen year old boy shot his sixteen year old lover in a mall,in broad day light!, Sisters, ages seven to eleven paused for a sex video,with parents concent? Drug syndicates, and robbery. Who are used as couriers or accomplishes ? Are they the culprit or the victim?

Honorable board of judges, teachers, ladies and gentlemen , good _______________________. Crimes like murder, suicide, prostitution, drugs and robbery, who are to blame? The youths? Are they what Jose Rizal called , the fair hope of this land of ours? If these juvenile criminals were Rizals kababata, he would not have written a poem for them when he was eight years old! And, he would not have dedicated his La Juventud Filipina . He would not have found inspiration from them in many of his literary works! Rizal was a man of peace! He discouraged Bonifacio and the other Katipuneros to stage an untimely revolt against the Spanish authorities- not only because they were not ready in terms of arms, but also because he believed in the peaceful resolution of conflict- through education and the works of the pen, through his novels, poems, and essays. The pen is mightier than the sword epitomizes Rizals life philosophy. He enhanced his writings with his oratorical prowess when he joined the Propaganda Movement- where a group of Filipinos worked for reforms. They published the La Solidaridad, but they had to deliver speeches

in the halls of Spanish Cortes and in many other fora, to drum up support for their advocacies and their dreams for a better Motherland. Making sacrifices seem to be an outstanding trait of a hero, who seeks the good and safety of others before himself,. Nobody is born a hero. The child sees this trait in people surrounding him- his parents, teachers, leaders in the community and even among his peers. His parents, who make sacrifices just to be able to give the children the best education, a comfortable home, decent clothes, and most of all, love and attention. The teacher, who religiously delivers relevant and quality instruction, despite the low salary and meager chalk allowance. The barangay officials, who look after the safet and security of the community, and initiate skills and livelihood trainings, so that their constituents will have a source of income. The boy scout, who helped a senior citizen cross the street. The brother ,who saved the life of a younger sibling from drowning, from fire, and other calamities. All these would have a positive influence on the development of the youth. Role models will leave a deeper impact over and above lip service, and good deeds elect a hero, a protagonist! Rizal had his favorite mentors during his study in Ateneo- The Jesuits, who enlightened him on the importance of broadening ones knowledge and perspective of the world and of life. Little Jose had fond memories of his mother, Doa Teodora, who told him stories, taught him to read and write, and imbued him the love for the arts and the values of patriotism, discipline, perseverance and fortitude. He idolized his older brother, Paciano, who became his surrogate father when he left Calamba to study in Manila.and sent him his allowance in Europe. A hero does not only emerge in times of crisis . On some instances like: A policeman who apprehends a snatcher and returns the things of the victim, still intact! or a taxi driver who returns the things left behind by a passenger. All these are proofs that there are heroes among us. The youth comprises the majority of the Philippines population. If the older generation could provide them with the right values, the best exemplars, and excellent opportunities, heroes and leaders will rise from among them.! Then truly, the Filipino youth will fulfill Rizals vision and the countrys future shall rest upon them.

The government has a great responsibility to raise the standard of education in this country. To empower the youth, and train them to become leaders or entrepreneurs who are self-sufficient, rather than being dependent, idle, and indolent followers of Juan Tamad. On the other hand, let us not belittle manual labor, because they provide employment to a great majority, to support the nations dwindling economy. It is to be impressed on the collective psyche of the Filipinos that there is dignity in manual labor, as long as it is done honestly and to the best of the artisans ability. The country needs young people who have the energy, the vision, and the tenacity to pursue their dreams for a better future. They, who do not wait for opportunities to knock on their doors, but to those who search them for the great majority. The young, amidst their idealism, could be catalysts for change. They could be the watchdogs of graft and corruption in the government. If empowered, they could police their own ranks in the drive to wipe out the drug menace in the community; they could lead worthwhile programs on livelihood, on the preservation and protection of the environment, and of human dignity and national pride, through values reformation and regeneration.. Rizal did not live long to see his country free and independent. But his vision for the youth could transform his dreams into reality, far beyond mere political independence. His legacy could inspire to build a peaceful yet watchful Philippines. We dont expect Rizal to wake up from his deep slumber! What we need is a Replica , our youths of today who shall continue his unfinished journey. Yes, Anyone can start the fire burning with desire! You, I, We can make it. We need to revolutionize and revitalize our spirits in order to revive our forefathers virtues. What the world needs now are the youths who are dedicated- the Rizal encarnates for tomorrows hope, today! Start then here and now.! Let me count on you. Are you one of us?