Senator Ana Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros called on the TSUian youth to become leaders for change during a consultative meeting with the Tarlac State University community held today (April 10) at the 5th floor, TSU Hotel, Lucinda Campus.
Sen. Hontiveros engaged with students, some administrative council members, teaching personnel, and non-academic staff in a dialogue focused on the youth's role in nation-building, emphasizing the importance of civic participation and responsible voting in the upcoming May 2025 elections.
“Ngayong nahaharap sa maraming hamon – sa maraming suliranin – ang ating bansa, sana ngayon tayo manindigan at makialam. Each and every one of you can do so much to change things around you for the better… You can do so much good, and all of you are more powerful than you realize," Sen. Hontiveros said, underscoring the role of youth as catalysts for positive change.
The senator also urged the youth to vote with integrity and conscience for the country's betterment.
“Hawak na ng kabataang Pilipino ang susi sa kinabukasan sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga boto. That is why I hope that on May 12, you will all step up to the challenge and make the right choices for yourselves, your families, your communities, and our shared destiny as a country," she added.
Echoing this message, TSU Board of Regents member Hon. Dennis Norman T. Go highlighted the youth's responsibility in shaping the nation's future during his welcome remarks.
“Gusto namin makita na ang susunod na henerasyon ay mas matatalino, mas lulusog, mas kapaki-pakinabang, at mas makabayan sa amin… Ang mga ito ay makakamit natin kapag ang bawat isa ay magiging responsableng mamamayan ng ating bansa. Nasa inyong kamay kung paano huhubugin ang inyong kinabukasan at ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa at kami ay magsisilbing gabay lamang,” Hon. Go said.
Meanwhile, representing TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg emphasized the importance of the consultative meeting to the youth.
"This consultative meeting significantly brings social reform within our beloved country, contributing to a more just and equitable society," VP Macaraeg said.
"Paulit-ulit na lang nating naririnig ang sinabi ni Dr. Jose Rizal na, 'the youth are the hope of the motherland.' Nevertheless, we can never be considered as the hope of our country unless we are accountable [for] all our acts," she added.
Following the meeting, the senator addressed students' questions on student red-tagging, healthcare education challenges, and the SOGIESC Equality Bill, among others.
Sen. Hontiveros concluded the meeting by sharing her thoughts on the true essence of leadership.
"Tandaan ninyo, true leadership is not really about titles or power; it is about connecting with others and helping others. When you help people, listen to others, and speak up on behalf of those who cannot yet—that is what makes you a leader," the senator said. (jlmm-OPA)
