Challenges on Good Governance

EDITORIAL
Youth Challenge On Good Governance

While the nation is faced with various scandals from corruption in the government, it is sad to note that most of the young generation seems to care less of said gruesome social realities. Instead, the youth are overwhelmed by the astonishing features of the modern technology as exhibited in several forms of fast-changing state-of-the-art gadgets. It would seem to appear that whatever is disregarded is already accepted. And whatever is accepted simply means that nothing can be done at all.

The issue of good governance is not an exclusive affair of the government. Good governance, in its broadest sense, is composed of various actors, not only the government, but all other sectors in the society such as the media, farmers, businessmen, religious leaders, youth leaders and other civic organizations who have stake in the decision-making. The role of the youth in the parlance of good governance is highly critical for they are the future main actors of it. But, their frequent use of virtual devices like computer, internet and television have deviated their attention to the core issue of good governance. While the issues in the society involving the government are not appealing to the youth, the luxuries of the modern technology are scintillating. It is tantamount to surrendering their rights and stakes to the society as a whole, in favor of the virtual realities which are too personal, one-sided and an escape to the reality of life.

Sad but true, the society today is hounded by rampant corruption and widespread poverty. The loosening of moral standards and integrity is very glaring already. And the abuse of the political dynasty is disturbing. These are the facts of life that ruin the bonds of good governance. The force of the virtual realities may be that strong as they tend to make the young pilgrims disregard said issues in their midst, but accepting them does not necessarily mean that there is no hope after all. As the May 2010 is fast approaching, it is not only high time for the youth to insist their role in pursuit of good governance, but also it is a moral and spiritual obligation on their part as followers of Christ, being the model of true and humble service to mankind.

In Hebrew 13:17, it says, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. Obey them so that their work will be joy not a burden.” In pursuit of good governance, there is far more important in the call to obey the leaders of our society. Good governance simply means the practice of loyalty to God. The youth in their end shall always base their choices not on partisanship, nor on political dynasty. It shall be anchored on Christian values, promotion of the general welfare of the people, and the love for environment. While shame and disgrace loom our society today tarnishing the quest for good governance, our hope has not lost its space in confronting all these situations.

The youth today have to go out of themselves and take proactively in achieving good governance. Opportunities have been plenty where they can assert their rights and raise their voices in order to effect changes. Virtual devices can even be useful in meeting this noble purpose to promote good governance. It shall begin with an awareness, understanding, commitment and community participation. It is only through these that the youth will find themselves as effective and efficient actors in promoting good governance with Jesus as the perfect icon.