OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS
By Atty. Gilberto Lauengco, J.D.
Today, Aug. 12, we celebrate International Youth Day. Perhaps today is the day we ask a particularly troubling question. What kind of country are we preparing for our young people? As a part time lecturer in college, I find this question most relevant.
This question is also urgent. Last January 2026, the Philippine Statistics Authority came out with a disturbing statistic that 14 percent of Filipinos aged 15 to 24 were not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is not just a number. It represents young people who may be struggling to find direction, opportunity and a place in an increasingly demanding and complex economy and society. Are we giving our next generations enough opportunities?
Opportunities, however, are not enough if they do not feel safe while learning. Recent incidents of violence have renewed calls for stronger school safety and increased security measures. Bullying also remains a concern. Do we need draconian measures both onsite and online to ensure the safety of the students?
There is then the issue of artificial intelligence. With the prevalent use of AI in almost everything, do we limit or prevent students from accessing this tool? There are already many cases where students use AI tools to create assignments or even answer exams or tests. Many educators fear our students are becoming lazy and learning less because of AI. There are also horror stories of AI encouraging suicide and self-harm. Banning AI outright, however, is impractical and difficult to enforce as there are ways to access the same. Our schools must redesign testing processes in ways where AI cannot be used. AI use can be guided both at home and in school. Just like calculators in our day, AI must be promoted as a tool and not a crutch.
These are important questions and issues. The answers cannot be left to government and school officials alone. The answers are a shared responsibility. Parents and the community must share in the burden of caring and nurturing the young. There is an old African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Each of us must do our part in ensuring that our children are given safer schools, stronger mental health support, better opportunities, and the confidence that we believe in them.
So, for this year’s International Youth Day, let us not stop at speeches and exhortations. Let us strive to answer the questions together.
