Become leaders now, SK challenges youth

The youth representative in the Quezon City Council challenged young Filipinos to become future leaders of the country by preparing themselves as responsible and productive citizens.

Councilor Junie Marie "Gemboy" Castelo said the youth can start practicing their leadership skills at this very moment by serving the community and other areas where their talents can be of important use.

"The making of a true leader doesn’t start after getting a diploma and landing a job or during elections when one wins and holds public office. It begins during our youth when skills and talents are honed and values and principles are formed," Castelo of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) said.

He said many countries prospered and countless business corporations flourished because they had leaders whose ability to lead was harnessed at an early age and anchored on solid foundations.

"Our nation would face better days ahead if our young people would start charting their plans and goals for the country and aspire to become a national leader someday. I challenge the youth to become leaders now, not tomorrow but today," he added.

The nephew of lawmaker Nanette Daza and Councilor Winston "Winnie" Castelo, the young SK representative prominently figured in last week’s celebration of Linggo Ng Kabataan in Quezon City where the role of the youth as future leaders was highlighted.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led the formal opening of the weeklong celebration which was themed "Kabataan, Lumahok at Kumilos Ka sa Paghubog ng Kinabukasan."

Belmonte lauded the theme of this year’s celebration since it inspires the Filipino youth to shape their own future.

"The government and society may be able to provide ample opportunities for their advancements, but it is the young people themselves who must hone their talent and skills in preparation for adulthood," Belmonte said.

He expressed confidence young Filipinos would indeed become responsible and fruitful citizens as shown by the ease by which they can adapt to revolutionary advancements in modern science and technology.