Marcos urges youth: Fight disinformation, uphold nationalism
At A Glance
- Castro said the forum is designed to "bring national issues directly to schools" and emphasize the youth's role in nation-building.
President Marcos has called on young Filipinos to think critically about online content and embrace nationalism, saying these values are essential in protecting the country’s sovereignty.
Photos from Maging Mapanuri/PCO
In remarks delivered by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” youth forum at Centro Escolar University (CEU) in Manila, the President stressed that citizens—especially the youth—play a key role in safeguarding the nation.
“Hindi niya isusuko kahit isang pulgadang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Pero kailangan niya ang tulong natin — kailangan niya ang taumbayan (He will not yield even an inch of Philippine territory. But he needs our help — he needs the people),” Castro said, quoting the President.
“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, must be discerning about what we read online, revive nationalism in our hearts, stand for the country and stand for the truth),” she added.
The CEU forum was the second installment of the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” initiative, following its launch at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). The program aims to promote responsible citizenship and youth participation in national discourse.
During the event, junior and senior high school students actively engaged in discussions on national security, disinformation, and the importance of civic duty.
Castro said the forum is designed to “bring national issues directly to schools” and emphasize the youth’s role in nation-building.
“Kaya kailangan nating buhayin yung nasyonalismo sa mga puso ninyo… Dalhin niyo ito hanggang sa pagtanda ninyo (That’s why we need to revive nationalism in your hearts and carry it into adulthood),” she said.
“Meron kayong katungkulan bilang kabataan… Huwag natin isuko yung ating freedom (You have duties as the youth… Let us not surrender our freedom),” she added.
The Palace said more school visits are being planned under the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” campaign in the coming months.