ILOILO City – As the nation marked the 128th martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on December 30, Western Visayas top police officer Brigadier General Jack Wanky issued a sobering challenge to Filipinos: ensure that today’s youth, hailed as the “fair hope of the motherland”, grow up to become heroes, not threats to society.
Speaking at the commemoration held at Iloilo City’s historic Plaza Libertad on Monday, Wanky underscored the crucial role of safe environments, drug-free communities, and nurturing homes in shaping the future of the nation.
“Our homes have the potential to create either heroes or terrorists among our children. We have to be responsible and wise, therefore, in choosing which home we wish for our children,” said Wanky, as he stressed the family’s influence on the youth’s values and behavior.
Highlighting the vulnerabilities of young Filipinos, Wanky pointed to alarming trends such as teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, and over 11,000 crime incidents involving minors reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in recent years.
The fight against illegal drugs remains another pillar of youth protection. Wanky revealed that intensified operations in Western Visayas have resulted in the seizure of nearly half a billion pesos worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of almost 3,000 drug personalities as of December 25 this year.
“If we stop, we are opening the floodgates of drug abuse and then criminality,” he warned, emphasizing the continuous effort needed to shield young Filipinos from these dangers.
Wanky also called for the creation of safe spaces for youth to thrive, free from negative influences and harmful environments.
“Dr. Jose Rizal recognized the role of the youth in nation-building. And, like him, we too must clearly see the indispensable role of the Filipino youth in the realization of Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
The commemoration featured a flag-raising ceremony, wreath-laying, volley fire, and floral offerings at the Rizal monument, attended by Iloilo City’s Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, city officials, and members of the public.
With the theme “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aming Nilalandas”, the event served as a reminder that building a better future starts with empowering the next generation./PN
