MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan marked International Youth Day 2025 by recognizing the strength, creativity, and leadership of young Filipinos while underscoring the need to address hunger and poverty to unlock their full potential.

“Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are movers of change today,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“They fight for what is right, speak up for those unheard, and roll up their sleeves to help their communities.”

The senator cited several laws aimed at empowering the youth, including Republic Act (RA) 11913 or the Philippine Youth Development Act of 2022, which strengthens the National Youth Commission and integrates youth priorities into national and local development plans; RA 11910 or the Summer Youth Camp Act, which fosters leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility; and RA 11768 or the Strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act, which grants SK officials better governance tools, fiscal autonomy, and training.

Pangilinan stressed that ensuring young people’s leadership also means making sure “no young person goes hungry.”

“Hunger kills potential. Poverty crushes dreams,” he said. “That’s why we push for Hello Pagkain sa Mababang Presyo—because every young Filipino deserves access to affordable, nutritious food. And we stand by Walang Kulay ang Gutom—because the fight against hunger is beyond politics, beyond colors, beyond divisions.”

He said the country must commit to a future “where our youth can dream without the shadow of hunger, learn without the weight of poverty, and lead without fear.”