PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told young Filipinos to study and train well for both their personal and the country’s future and to continue developing their skills, serving the community and helping those in need.
In his Filipino Youth Day message, Marcos said he shares the belief that the youth is the hope and the future of the country, which is why he is committed to promoting their welfare and helping them reach their dreams not just for themselves but also for the benefit of the country.
Marcos, in a video message, said that from the idealism and energy of the present generation of young people would rise the next set of leaders and citizens who would support and lead the country.
“I challenge the young to further your education, serve the community, and continue to help those in need,” he said.
“I encourage you to develop your intelligence and talents. We will depend on your cooperation in building a beautiful, more prosperous and stronger Philippines,” he added.
The President said his administration would support and sustain programs that will promote their interest and welfare as well as help them realize their dreams and bring a bright future to the country.
Proclamation Order No. 75, signed by then President Elpidio Quirino on June 19, 1948, declared June 19 of every year as the “Filipino Youth Day.”
The date, June 19, coincides with the birthday of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal who has “looked to the Filipino youth as the ‘fair hope of the Fatherland,’ addressing his most inspiring appeals to them to consecrate their golden hours to their country’s service,” the proclamation order read.
It added that everyone is “enjoined to observe this day with appropriate activities to relate the life and works of the hero to the aspirations of the Filipino youth and lead them to dedicate their lives to the pattern of service established by the immortal hero”.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led the celebration of “Social Worker’s Day” which also falls on June 19 by recognizing the contributions and dedication of the social workers.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, on June 25, 2021, issued Proclamation No. 1176 that declared June 19 as “Filipino Social Workers Day.”
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian bestowed the 2023 “Gawad Parangal Sa Natatanging Manggagawang Panlipunan” and “Gawad Parangal Sa Natatanging Asosasyon Ng Manggagawang Panlipunan” during ceremonies at the Social Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) Compound in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The award recognized several social workers and social work organizations “who dedicate their lives in making a positive difference in our communities, by ensuring that the social welfare and development programs and services are well-implemented.”
