Manila, Aug. 12 -- Today, Aug. 12, we celebrate International Youth Day. Perhaps today is the day we ask a particularly troubling question. What kind of country are we preparing for our young people? As a part time lecturer in college, I find this question most relevant.

This question is also urgent. Last January 2026, the Philippine Statistics Authority came out with a disturbing statistic that 14 percent of Filipinos aged 15 to 24 were not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is not just a number. It represents young people who may be struggling to find direction, opportunity and a place in an increasingly demanding and complex economy and society. Are we giving our next generations enough opportunities?

Opportunities, h...