by Raymund Antonio, MB
Amid temptations of substance abuse, rebellion, and extremism that face today’s Filipino youth, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Oct. 26, called on the Church to shape the minds of the youth and guide them toward the “right path” as she vouched for the government’s support.
The official spoke during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila for its 44th anniversary.
Citing the Church’s “significant role” in shaping the mind and conscience of the community, especially the youth, Duterte underscored how Filipinos all over the world seek the Church when they celebrate milestones and struggle with life’s challenges.
But she particularly urged the Church to guide the Filipino youth and contribute in rebuilding the nation.
“Our youth are vulnerable and easily impressionable and I call upon the Church to help us guide our young Filipinos into the right path. The lures of substance abuse, violent extremism, and rebellion keep pulling away our country’s future. I believe this is where the Church can support nation-building,” the Vice President said.
“Your ministries to the communities have never been more relevant than now when our youth’s mental and psychological health are held hostage by various social media influences and peer and social pressure,” she added, noting also how the isolation brought by the Covid-19 pandemic led to loss of confidence to navigate life.
“Without professional help and spiritual guidance, some have been driven to self-harm and harm others,” she furthered.
But aside from the youth, the official also highlighted how the Church must unify the family as society’s basic unit.
“As you come together to reinforce your vision of nation-building, rest assured that we, at the government, are your partners in advocacies and ministries for the Filipino people,” she said, adding that a society guided by a “moral compass” is a shared dream by the Church and government.
“The call to build a strong nation is an open invitation. It is for us all. After all, we speak in universal truths of kindness, compassion, love, joy, and peace for all,” Duterte asserted.
The Vice President, who shared that Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s Jesus is Lord Church is the same age as hers, expressed admiration for the Church’s 44 years of dedication “to spreading the word of God and winning spiritual battles for our nation.”
“Your commitment and sacrifice to reach out, spend time, and minister to these people have truly changed lives one prayer at a time,” she said.
