AT LEAST 100 members of youth groups, students and non-government organizations gathered last Friday for the opening of the #NotOnMyWatch caravan.
The event, hosted by social news platform Rappler, together with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, aims to educate the youth on social responsibility both online and in the real world.
Comparing the country’s present situation with the previous people power revolutions, Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa said the youth are game changers in the course of action happening now in society, especially with social media.
Emotions that are often depicted in social media posts, such as anger, hate, joy and inspiration, can be avenues for both positive and negative interaction in society, she said.
A journalist for 33 years now, Ressa, who has witnessed and covered many wars, said the youth needs the courage to stand up against internet trolls and pacifiers.
“Where is truth and fiction? Your generation would have to figure that out in a way mine never did. The journalists were the gatekeepers then. Now, it is all of you who are gatekeepers to your own soul,” she said.
Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who represented the local government during the panel discussion, said it is important for public officials to face the questions of the people, especially the youth, to uphold transparency and eradicate corruption.
She said one way to do this is to attend public discussions so that constituents can ask questions and demand answers.
“We asked to be in this position and we’re here because of your trust. If we fail and betray that trust, replace us. See, we all have to have social accountability and constructive criticism to eradicate corruption. It happens a lot,” she said.
Osmeña discussed how corruption in the government is prevalent and hidden. To avoid this, elected officials and government employees must not forget the people’s trust.
In an interview, she explained that today’s youth, with the influence of technology, could be catalysts of change.
She encouraged not only the youth, but everyone to hold on to their childlike wonder and ideals.
“When you’re young, you’re idealistic. But somehow, we lose that along the way because of adjustments, we become practical. I hope we don’t lose that. Some things just don’t have to change. When I was their age, I never thought of talking corruption. Maybe I lived in a different age. But maybe, while corruption existed during my younger days, it has now become so scandalous that even the youth must act on it,” Osmeña said.
The event was held at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation performing arts theater.
