We Are More Than Just ‘The Youth’—We Are the Nation’s Hope

Waking up early, attending classes, listening to lectures, completing assignments, and studying for exams—does this routine sound familiar? It does to me. As students, we are constantly navigating the waves of life, hoping that through hard work and perseverance, we will eventually reach a life of prosperity.

But while doors of opportunity open, doubts about our future continue to creep in. Does every struggle we endure truly lead to progress, or are we simply stuck in an endless cycle of hardship?

At times, it becomes exhausting to keep pushing forward when the destination remains uncertain. It feels like an unending battle, where our only weapon is the knowledge we have forged through education—a battle that seemingly ends only when we finally reach the pinnacle of success.

So, have you ever wondered—what is the true role of a young person like me in this never-ending cycle of life?

Youth. Education. Dreams.

These words echo in my mind as I carve my path toward my ambitions. Entering college has opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by students who strive to pursue their education despite overwhelming challenges.

But how can we hope to change our lives when those in power continue to exploit the nation’s resources for their own gain?

Who truly benefits, and who suffers?

Take, for instance, the plight of students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). The institution was granted only ₱3.39 billion in funding—far from its proposed ₱11.8 billion budget. According to the Department of Budget and Management, more priority was given to the military, and since PUP had completed some of its projects in 2023, additional funding was deemed unnecessary.

Is this how education should be treated? Instead of being a key to breaking free from poverty, it is now being withheld from those who need it most.

Inside our classrooms, students endure unbearable conditions. Power outages disrupt discussions, making classrooms hot and uncomfortable. Despite this, students push through, determined to understand the lessons. Due to these difficulties, PUP was even forced to shift back to online learning because of its lack of proper facilities—an issue that stems directly from severe budget cuts.

One day, I asked my classmates how they were managing their studies at the university. Their responses shook me.

"I travel from Cavite every day just to attend classes," one said.

"I live in a dorm in Manila. Money is tight, but I have no choice," another admitted.

"Sometimes, I have to take side jobs just to afford transportation and food," another student confessed.

Their voices echoed in my mind, filled with exhaustion and frustration. Their struggles were evident—the relentless fight against hardship, the unwavering determination to continue learning, and the belief that education remains the only key to breaking free from poverty.

Despite these hardships, students refuse to remain silent. They continue to fight for their right to quality education, standing against the Marcos administration, which seeks to suppress their voices.

Through their suffering, I realized the immense role that young people play in shaping the future of our country. Every student carries dreams and principles that can uplift our nation. We—the youth—are the ones who will lead the charge for a future where no one is left behind. We are the catalysts for reforming an education system plagued by neoliberal policies, fighting for a society where everyone has access to quality learning.

As the 2025 budget deliberation approaches, we must seize the opportunity to voice our concerns and demand what is rightfully ours—access to the education that is being denied to us by those in power.

As Jose Rizal once said, “The youth is the hope of the nation.” Each student has the right to a free and quality education, free from the burdens that hinder learning.

We are the ones who will awaken those blinded by false promises. We will be the guiding light for the next generation.

And we will fight against the corrupt and broken education system that continues to fail us today.