Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has urged young Filipinos to stop measuring their worth through money, grades, career titles or popularity on social media.
Speaking at the Christian Bishops and Ministers Association of the Philippines Youth Conference on October 3, Cayetano encouraged young people to develop a clear vision, identity and purpose in life.
“Kung ano man ang trabaho mo, hindi ‘yan ang identity mo,” he said.
Cayetano described his “VIP” framework as Vision, Identity and Purpose, saying young people need a clear direction to avoid feeling lost or hopeless.
“Hindi ka pwedeng magplano nang wala kang vision… Isa sa dapat mong parating tinatanong ay, ‘Lord, ano’ng vision mo sa buhay ko? Lord, why am I here?’” he said.
Cayetano also reminded the youth that their identity should not depend on wealth, academic performance or popularity.
“Iisa lang po ang marunong mag-grade sa tao — ang Diyos lang,” he said.
In an interview after his speech, Cayetano said he was concerned about reports of young people losing hope despite having much of their lives ahead of them.
“Nakakalungkot ‘pag nababasa po natin na nawawalan ng pag-asa ang kabataan,” he said.
Cayetano called for more gatherings that would bring young people together, strengthen their faith and help them find direction in life.
“May pag-asa… So I hope there are many more conventions that bring young people together, build the community, because they are our future,” he said.IMT
