Noy to youths: Choose selfless, clean, competent leaders

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino told young people yesterday that corruption would be a thing of the past if Filipinos would choose selfless and competent leaders in this year’s elections.

“I am confident that our bosses will choose whoever is honest, clean, honorable and will undoubtedly continue the straight path. Our message: there is no forever for the corrupt and our suffering,” Aquino said in a speech delivered by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Year 13 awarding ceremony at Malacañang.

The President reiterated that his dream was to pass on to the next generation a country that would be more progressive, peaceful and stronger than what they found.

Aquino recognized the role of the youth in nation-building and as hope of the motherland.

He also praised the awardees, saying that instead of complaining and doing nothing, they volunteered to help others and uplift the condition of the country.

“That is why my challenge and call to everyone of us: follow the example of the awardees and other fellowmen who truly have compassion and care for the country,” the President said.

“Do not get tired of serving and doing good,” Aquino said.

The TAYO winners were the School of Law and Community Enrichment of the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City; I Am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Inc. of Mandaluyong City; Tanay Mountaineers of Tanay, Rizal; Kanlaon Theater Guild of  Bacolod City; Environment and Climate Change Research Institute of the De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon City; Keep Hope Alive of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro; Youth Sports Advocacy of Quezon City; Bayugan National Comprehensive High School-YECS of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; Tobog Youth Organization of Oas, Albay; and UP ALCHEMES (Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students) of Quezon City.