MANILA — Recognizing the influence of young people in shaping public opinion online, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on the youth to use their social media power to amplify agrarian reform and agricultural issues that have long been neglected.

Speaking during an open forum at the Ateneo de Manila University on Oct. 14, Pangilinan said the youth can challenge the status quo and push for long-overdue reforms in the agriculture sector by harnessing their digital influence.

“Use your voice — social media. Support causes that you believe should be supported. Fight disinformation kasi laganap pa rin ang disimpormasyon hanggang ngayon,” he said. “Kayong mga kabataan, you are the most social media savvy. Kayo ang pinaka-digital natives, ika nga. Gamitin ninyo ang kapangyarihan niyo.”

The senator added that politicians pay attention to public sentiment online, noting that viral campaigns can drive government action.

“Ang mga politiko, takot yan. Pagka nakita nilang may mga nagvi-viral. Kaya pagka-ginawa natin viral itong pagsuporta sa agrarian reform, eh makikinig mga yan. Never underestimate your power to influence,” Pangilinan said.

He also urged the youth to demand accountability from leaders and institutions involved in corruption, saying the fight for justice must include confronting economic inequality.

The forum, themed “Uneven Fields: Unearthing the Root Causes of Economic Injustice,” centered on the state of Philippine agriculture and the enduring poverty of farmers and fisherfolk, which Pangilinan attributed to chronic government neglect and underfunding.

The senator called on students to take an active role in nation-building and stand up against social, economic, and political injustices.

“So, in the end, you want justice in the sector of agriculture, then we have to come together and realize that we all have roles to play. Pero ang hanay ng mga estudyante at kabataan, you play a special role in the unfolding of events in Philippine society,” he said.

Calling the youth “catalysts of change,” Pangilinan said their collective action can spark a “socio-political upheaval.”

“Pag ang kabataan at estudyante ang tumaya, kumilos, nakibahagi, nanindigan, sumusunod na ang socio-political upheaval. Kayo yun,” he said. “Now is the time to speak up. Now is the time to make a stand. Now is the time to say enough is enough. Now is the time to reclaim our governance and our politics in this country.”

He closed with a challenge: “In the end, history will judge all of us. Lahat tayo huhusgahan ng kasaysayan. Ang tanong: noong panahon na kinakailangang tumaya at kumilos, ano ang ginagawa ninyo?”