Join the bandwagon of change, Gordon tells Filipino youth

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today called on the Filipino youth to join the "bandwagon of change" so that they can contribute to the nation's quest towards genuine transformation.

Speaking before students and alumni of the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) in Manila, Gordon said there is no need to wait for May 2010 elections before the country can take the first steps towards development.

"There is no need to wait for 2010 (elections) before we can start the process of transforming the nation. If we want the country to change, we have to begin first by transforming within ourselves," he said.

"Gaya nga ng sinabi ko noon mayor pa lang ako ng Olongapo (City): 'What we need is not just a change in men, but a change in men.' We must not fear the future, instead we have to make it our friend," he added.

Gordon earlier urged the students of Letran College to take an active part in transforming the nation by being discerning in choosing its next leaders to haul the country towards progress and development.

He said every Filipino must make demands upon themselves to achieve the country's goal of transforming the society and developing as a nation.

Gordon stressed that the youth, being the future of the Philippines, must try hard to break out of the repressive culture and tradition in order to make something different and better for themselves.

"We must learn to look at our past if we want to make a better future. However, we must break down the walls that the foreign invaders have built in our minds, which are stifling us and keeping us from achieving our best," he said.

"Ang mga pader na ito ang nagturo sa atin ng pagiging mapagpakumbaba ng wala sa lugar, when what we need is to be assertive," he added.