Green Patches of Hope

Photo taken at Anawangin, Zambales

Last November 22-24, I volunteered myself to interview assist in the last phase of the qualifying procedures of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress, an annual event sponsored by the Ayala Group of Companies as a concrete expression of their commitment in developing young leaders for nation building. It is my second year in doing so and again, I’m filled with so much happiness and inspiration, having been able to meet some of the country’s top student and community leaders.

This year, I was able to meet a diverse group of young and idealistic individuals as I spent at least 40 minutes with them while they wait for their turn to be interviewed by some of Ayala’s top executives. I felt that it was my task to at least ease down their growing tension as they wait, and to be able to do that, I usually ask them of what they do or what are they busy with. This simple question introduced me to stories which I consider, green patches of hope that are foundations necessary for Nation Building.

Of the 179 interviewees, I was able to meet at least 15 of them. To speak of variety, some of them are seminarians, students from the Philippine Military Academy, debaters (whom I did not try to speak too much. heheJ), NGO volunteers, Muslim youth advocates, Church youth leaders and some former Sangguniang Kabataan officials. Noticeable however, is that all of these young minds were able to see that there are some flaws in each institution they belong to, with the Church not spared. However, it is also worth noticing that despite the status quo, they are ‘in’ for bringing about lasting change in their crusade of conveying goodness into whatever field they’re indulged to.

 “There is no such thing as a perfect organization, but that’s why we are here--to make a difference..” an interviewee told me.

True indeed, that is actually what matters most--- that we make a positive difference regardless of how small or big our actions are. We may not, in our leadership, change the systems in our organizations which we think are wrong, but through our leadership we CAN at least inspire our members to do good so that the ripple may reach the farthest parts of the sea.

These youth leaders are said to be rare or as they said, a part of the chosen few. It is now becoming a challenge to multiply this breed of leaders, but on a second thought, it is possible. 

Just imagine a country where all the youth (or at least the majority) are doing their part in nation building. Imagine these green patches of hope boosting it colors to the already faded colored archipelago. 

Imagine.

I always emphasize when I deliver speeches to the youth that we must already rephrase Rizal’s words, “Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan” with “Kabataan na Dapat ang Naasahan ng Bayan.” These young individuals are concrete proof that the later statement is now becoming reality-- that slowly but surely, the youth are living up to their predestined purpose of making this country a much better place.