MANILA, Philippines – Days after the consecutive tragedies involving Filipino youth in different parts of the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. posted a vlog on Saturday, June 27, saying that the youth must be protected from several dangers, including violence and negligence.

“Magkaiba man ang mga pangyayaring ito, iisa ang mensaheng ipinapakita nila sa atin: Kailangang maprotektahan ang ating mga kabataan,” the Philippine President said.

“Maprotektahan laban sa karahasan. Maprotektahan laban sa kapabayaan. Maprotektahan laban sa panganib. At maprotektahan laban sa mga tahimik [na] pinagdaraanan at pasaning dinadala ng marami sa kanila,” he added.

(Although these events were different, they show one message: We must protect our youth. Protect them from violence, negligence, and dangers. And protect them from the silent battles and burdens some of them carry.)

Marcos, in his vlog, mentioned the Tacloban City shooting incident earlier this week that killed three and injured 20 others. The culprits were minors aged 14 and 15, who are now under the custody of authorities.

He also mentioned another case of school violence in Cavite, where seven students were injured due to a stabbing.

The President also mentioned the unfortunate fates of Ateneo de Manila University players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who both drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora. School officials, including former coach Tab Baldwin, are now facing an anti-hazing complaint before the Department of Justice.

According to Marcos, he had already ordered the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Philippine National Police, and local government units to further strengthen their programs to ensure students’ safety.

“Ngunit hindi sapat ang pagkilos ng pamahalaan lamang. Dapat manatiling aktibong bahagi ng buhay ng kanilang mga anak ang mga magulang. Dapat ipagpatuloy ng mga guro ang kanilang tungkulin, hindi lamang bilang tagapagturo, kundi bilang mga gabay at tagapayo,” the President said. “Sapagkat ang tunay na lakas ng ating bansa ay nakasalalay sa kaligtasan, kapakanan, at mga pangarap ng susunod na henerasyon.”

(But the government’s actions are not enough. Parents should be an active part of their children’s lives. Teachers must continue their duty, not only as educators, but also as guides and mentors. Because the true strength of our nation lies in the safety, welfare, and dreams of our next generation.) – Rappler.com