SENATOR Joel Villanueva has called for stronger government support and greater opportunities for Filipino youth, stressing that they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but active partners in nation-building today.

In his manifestation during the observance of National Youth Day, Villanueva highlighted the vital role of young Filipinos in shaping the country’s future.

Villanueva, who authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11913, or the “National Youth Day Act,” during the 18th Congress, said the country has approximately 31.6 million young Filipinos.

He said the potential of this large youth population can be fully realized if they are provided with proper guidance, quality education, meaningful opportunities, and adequate support.

As chairman of the Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB), Villanueva said he has witnessed the passion, idealism, and capacity of young Filipinos to make a difference in their communities.

He cited the contributions of young people in volunteer work, the workplace, sports, and democratic participation.

However, Villanueva also pointed to challenges facing young Filipinos, particularly in employment.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, he said the labor force participation rate among Filipinos aged 15 to 24 rose to 33.7 percent in June 2026 from 33.1 percent a year earlier.

Despite the increase in labor force participation, the youth employment rate declined to 86.5 percent from 90.6 percent in June 2025.

Of the 6.28 million employed young Filipinos, around 743,000 were underemployed, resulting in a youth underemployment rate of 11.8 percent.

Villanueva said these figures represent young people with dreams and aspirations who need meaningful opportunities to succeed.

He cited several laws and initiatives he has supported to address these challenges, including the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, which seeks to improve employability, expand skills development through institutions such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and strengthen programs that help young Filipinos transition from school to employment.

He also highlighted the First-Time Jobseekers Act, which aims to remove unnecessary barriers and expenses for young Filipinos entering the workforce for the first time.

Other measures he cited include the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Labor Education Act, Tulong Trabaho Law, and Doktor Para sa Bayan Act.

Villanueva stressed that the government’s responsibility goes beyond simply encouraging young people to dream.

“Our responsibility is to also build a country where they have a fair chance to turn those dreams into reality,” he said.

The senator urged the government to renew its commitment to providing Filipino youth with opportunities, support, and trust.

He also assured young Filipinos that their contributions are recognized and their potential valued.