Recognizing their power and influence on social media, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged the youth to make agrarian reform and agricultural issues “viral” on social media, as this would lead to change in a sector that has remained oppressed for centuries.
Speaking during an open forum at the Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the senator pointed out how the youth can use their influence to challenge the status quo.
“Use your voice – social media. Support causes that you believe should be supported. Fight disinformation kasi laganap pa rin ang disimpormasyon hanggang ngayon,” he said. “Kayong mga kabataan, you are the most social media savvy. Kayo ang pinaka-digital natives, ika nga. Gamitin ninyo ang kapangyarihan niyo.”
The senator advised that the youth can use social media to get their messages across to politicians, who he said cannot turn a blind eye to public perception.
“At ang mga politiko, takot yan. Pagka nakita nilang may mga nagvi-viral. Kaya pagka-ginawa natin viral itong pagsuporta sa agrarian reform, eh makikinig mga yan. Never underestimate your power to influence,” Pangilinan furthered, adding that they must also demand accountability for the corruption issues that plague society.
The senator spoke at the open forum—with the theme “Uneven Fields: Unearthing the Root Causes of Economic Injustice”—to discuss the state of the country’s agricultural sector and explain how the lack of government support and underfunding made farmers and fisherfolk the most impoverished in the country.
He also encouraged the youth to do their share in nation-building and fight against social, economic, and political injustices.
“So, in the end, you want justice in the sector of agriculture, then we have to come together and realize (that) we all have roles to play. Pero ang hanay ng mga estudyante at kabataan, you play a special role in the unfolding of events in Philippine society,” he said.
Calling the youth “catalysts of change,” he explained how they can trigger a “socio-political upheaval.”
“Pag ang kabataan at estudyante ang tumaya, kumilos, nakibahagi, nanindigan, sumusunod na ang socio-political upheaval. Kayo yun,” he said. “Now is the time to speak up. Now is the time to make a stand. Now is the time to say enough is enough. Now is the time to reclaim our governance and our politics in this country.”
“So, ask yourselves: In the end, history will judge all of us. Lahat tayo huhusgahan ng kasaysayan. Ang tanong: Noong panahon na kinakailangang tumaya at kumilos, ano ang ginagawa ninyo?”