Proposed Charter undermines youth’s role in nation-building
First posted 00:30am (Mla time) Feb 21, 2006
Inquirer
http://beta.inquirer.net/opinion/index.php?index=1&story_id=66872
Editor’s Note: Published on page A12 of the February 21, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily inquirer
“THE YOUTH IS THE HOPE OF THE motherland,” Jose Rizal said. But this would no longer be true should our pro-amendment advocates, and the opportunists behind them, succeed in changing our present Constitution.
One particular concern, among other equally important things that have been said about the proposed constitutional amendments, should make the blood of every young Filipino and of the unborn generation boil. Section 13 of Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies) of the present Constitution, which recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building, has been deleted in the proposed charter.
The provision could not have been removed without a special reason. The last sentence of the state policy mentions the duty of the State to teach the youth patriotism and nationalism and to promote their involvement in public and civic affairs. This corresponds with Article XIV, Section 3 (2) on Education, which states: “They [educational institutions] shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.” This too is not in the proposed charter.
Thus, the proposed charter virtually discounts the important role the youth played in the nation’s history — from the young Katipuneros who fought the Spaniards to the young guerillas who fought US and Japanese occupations, to the youth who fought the Ferdinand Marcos regime and marched in the two Edsa People Power uprisings.
The proposed charter obviously would prefer the present and coming generations of Filipinos not to get involved in the affairs of the country. It would rather discourage critical thinking and kill civic spirit among the young and breed instead a culture of apathy, individualism and selfishness among them.
And while the proposed charter has included human rights education as part of the curricula, this will only serve as an indoctrination course to promote a twisted concept of civil liberties and constitutional rights.
Charter change proponents want to create a new generation of docile young Filipinos who will not dare challenge the existing order. Obviously, the Arroyo ruling clique recognizes the potential threat of an active and critical youth population on corrupt regimes.
It is the responsibility of every patriotic and freedom-loving young Filipino to oppose the proposed Cha-cha. Our nation’s future depends on us.
CARL MARC RAMOTA, executive vice president, Kabataan Party