CHIZ TO THE YOUTH: USE I.T. TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said information technology (IT) is a powerful tool that the youth can utilize not only to realize their dreams but also to prepare for the eventual task of leading the country.

"Our national hero said we the youth are the hope of the fatherland. I believe that with today's technology, such hope can be realized much faster," he said at the Philippine Youth Congress in Information Technology held last week at the University Theater in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The 39-year-old lawmaker said that the Internet, texting and social media have connected more people making the world much smaller.

"New communication technology means government can no longer use the excuse that it is unaware of the problems faced by people. It is now obligated to act quickly and responsibly."

While the Philippines ranks below some of its Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of Internet usage, with only about five percent of its estimated population of 96 million connected online, it is considered the texting capital of the world.

A recent global messaging survey conducted by a mobile phone manufacturer also recently indicated that 60 percent of Filipinos send an average of 12 to 15 text messages daily.

Escudero also said that the next leaders of the country must engage in a national conversation with the people through IT.

"They should continuously do this to hear the ideas, complaints and suggestions of the people through the various media that IT provides," he said.

The senator asked the youth not to shy away from speaking their minds or asking tough questions.

"We the youth have more at stake in the future, so it is just right that we play a part in determining the path our country will take. And sometimes, what we cannot do in the real world, we can do in the world of IT," he explained.