Press Release
January 5, 2016

Sen. Marcos Tells Youth Leaders to Heed Reminder
of Ms. Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos on Monday urged the country's top youth leaders to heed the reminder of 2015 Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Marcos aired this advice in his inspirational message at the celebration of the "16th Year of Philippine Youth" held in Pasig City to recognize and award exemplary youth leaders.

"I think the words of our compatriot and original 2015 Miss Universe is really apt for the occasion tonight," Marcos said. He cited in particular Wurtzbach's comment that being chosen Ms. Universe is "both an honor and responsibility".

"You are not merely winners in a competition. Because you are here tonight, you also bear the responsibility and the obligation to serve as role model for others," he added.

Marcos also said youth leaders should also take as inspiration the lives of our national heroes as well as modern-day heroes like 19-year old Thomasian Welson Chua who was murdered for his expose about corruption in his school.

He also cited the case of 18-year old Muelmar Magallanes who is recognized as a hero when he perished in the height of typhoon Ondoy in the process of saving the lives of 30 persons.

But Marcos told the youth leaders that they can still be heroes in their own right without necessarily having to give up their lives.

Among others, he cited as example Manny Pacquiao who became a world-champion at the age of 23, giving honor and pride to the entire country, as well as Ateneo graduate Sabrina Ongkiko who chose to serve as a public school teacher in a lower-class district of Quezon City.

Even by doing simple things, like 9-year old Daniel Cabrera who was pictured studying in the light of a McDonald's branch, can serve as an inspiration to others, according to Marcos.

As a Senator, Marcos has long espoused the interest of the youth sector. Among others he spearheaded in the Senate the passage of the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Reform Bill meant to empower the youth and prepare them to handle bigger responsibility in the future.

News Latest News Feed