PBBM: Critical thinking, nationalism key to protect PH sovereignty

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

Marcos’ message was conveyed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” forum held at Centro Escolar University (CEU) Manila, according to the Presidential Communications Office news release on Friday. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is urging the Filipino youth to cultivate critical thinking skills, deepen their sense of nationalism, and uphold the truth, especially in today’s digital age, to help protect Philippine sovereignty.

Marcos’ message was conveyed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” forum held at Centro Escolar University (CEU) Manila, according to the Presidential Communications Office news release on Friday.

Speaking before junior and senior high school students, Castro emphasized the importance of vigilance against online misinformation and love of country among the youth.

“Sabi nga ng Pangulo, hindi niya isusuko kahit isang pulgadang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Pero kailangan niya ang tulong natin — kailangan niya ang taumbayan (As the President said, he will not give up even an inch of the Philippines. But he needs our help — he needs the support of the people),” Castro said.

“Tayo at kayong mga kabataan: Maging mapanuri sa mga nababasa online, buhayin ang nasyonalismo sa ating mga puso, tumindig para sa bayan at tumindig para sa katotohanan (We and you, the youth: Be critical of what you read online, revive nationalism in your hearts, stand up for the country, and stand up for the truth),” she added.

CEU Manila hosted the second leg of the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” series following its launch at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

Held at the CEU’s Librada Avelino Auditorium, the event drew strong engagement from participating students.

The students also expressed willingness to sacrifice for the country, as they engaged in the open forum and post-discussion quiz.

Castro stressed that the forum aims to bring discussions about national issues into schools, in an effort to instill patriotism and a clear sense of responsibility among the youth.

“Kaya kailangan nating buhayin yung nasyonalismo sa mga puso niyo, lalong lalo na sa inyong mga kabataan. Dalhin niyo ito hanggang sa pagtanda niyo, iisa lang ang bansa natin, hindi dapat mawala (That’s why we need to revive nationalism in our hearts, especially among you, the youth. Carry it with you until you grow old. We only have one country, and we must not lose it),” she said.

“Kailangan tayo maging Pilipino sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Meron kayong katungkulan bilang kabataan. Utang natin sa mga heroes, bayani kung ano ang tinatamasa natin ngayon (We must be Filipinos at all times. You have a duty as youth. We owe what we enjoy today to our heroes and patriots).”

The “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” forum is part of the government’s continuing efforts to engage young Filipinos in national discourse, from responsible use of information to active participation in initiatives that shape the country’s future.