We see everyday Filipinos try to excel in their respective fields, just so they can lift the country from the bottom rung. The recent victories of Manny Pacquiao and Miss World first runner-up Gwendolyn Ruais, for instance, have spelled hope, big time.
There are some uncelebrated hope-givers, like these four young student leaders who will represent the country at the 11th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) on Jan. 9-13, 2012.
They are Miguel Antonio Garcia, MA Economics, University of San Carlos; Mark Andrew Copuyoc, fifth year BS Management Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University; Kurt Gerard See, PhD Economics, and Camille Angela Marie Almario Aquino, Economics, both from De La Salle University.
They were chosen for their leadership abilities, keen interest in global and local affairs, and fluency in English. These young leaders will use their knowledge in business and economics to help initiate change in the Philippines. Other young delegates are from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
As part of HYLI’s initiative to identify and groom potential Asian leaders, these students will fly to Hanoi and learn from prominent Asian policymakers, professionals and commentators. They will discuss key issues and trends affecting Asia. This, in turn, will broaden their understanding on their own countries’ situation.
Valuable insights
See, who plans to be a future policy-maker and academician, believes HYLI will enable him to incorporate new knowledge and valuable insights in his future and current roles as a student and a researcher.
For University of San Carlos student Garcia: “HYLI is the right place to experience the excitement of talking, discussing, or debating with Asia’s leaders.” This enables him to be at the forefront in policy discussions in the Asian region. He also mentions that this experience is a “good academic exercise,” since they can bring classroom theories to real political debates.
As the only woman representative in the group, Aquino says: “The only common goal young leaders should truly aspire for is not to better ourselves, but to better our country.”
The young leaders cite irresponsible governance and self-centered leadership, the lack of foreign and local private and public investments in the country, and misaligned interests as the country’s major problems.
“Because there is so much political agenda in government, different branches are pursuing different focuses, thus leading to disconnected goals,” adds Aquino. She stresses that majority of Filipinos still do not see themselves as part of the solution.
Meanwhile, for Copuyoc, sustainable development is relevant today. “Genuine concern and care for the youth and the future generations of Filipinos are at the heart of sustainable development,” he says. “More for the nation and less thinking for our own pockets.”
Balanced life
Despite having seemingly serious and busy lives, these students maintain balance by enjoying life.
It can be as simple as playing and laughing with a kid, says Copuyoc. “Laughing when other people laugh, smiling when other people smile, being curious and happy with new things—I learned that from my three-year-old nephew,” he says.
“I rarely waste time—never spend too much time using Facebook or other online distractions. I avoid things that distract me or make me unproductive,” he adds.
Or, like in the case of See, he engages himself in yet another hobby, competitive debating.
Meanwhile, Aquino plots her activities in a week, so she has time for herself and rest. Her Sundays are reserved for her inspirations in life, family and God.
Garcia, the self-confessed geek, describes balance in four words: books, pens, families and friends. His natural interest for learning lifts his spirit up. “Learning is something exciting for me, especially if you can reduce concepts into an elegant and simple idea,” he says.
Pay it forward
“Confronted with seemingly insurmountable crises and issues, the world can no longer afford indifference,” says See. The youth, he says, should break away from apathy and become a catalyst for change.
Garcia observes that there are a lot of brilliant young Filipinos who have the talent, but have no opportunities to hone their talent and skills.
“That’s the part that hits me really hard,” he says. “We have the privilege and opportunity and we should take that first step…” he adds.
Meanwhile, for Aquino, leadership is the scarcest commodity among the youth nowadays. She mentions the nation can only change when leadership is grounded on the right foundation. “Faith and love for the country,” she stresses.
Copuyoc agrees that leaders need to be strong-willed. “There will come a time when the youth will need to will our country to move forward,” he says. “We have to continue to believe in change, in possibilities, in our dreams for the country.”
Above all, never losing hope sustains the game, Garcia says. “We are only responsible for ourselves, and for the future that we want to shape.”
The upcoming convention comprises seminars and discussions, presentations, and a field trip as culmination. DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo will be the Filipino speaker for this year’s HYLI.