Voices from Rome, hopes for home

Buongiorno!

I’m finally back from Italy — no, no, not what you think — it was not a vacation, definitely not a leisurely European escape, but a journey with a purpose. I traveled all the way to Rome to be the voice of the Filipino youth in conversations on human rights, climate change, and disaster mitigation.

It was a long journey, yes, but one that was worth every hour and every mile. Because what I witnessed there was more than a gathering of nations — it was a gathering of hope, of shared purpose, and of a generation that is hungry for change.

For the longest time, I thought being a “voice for the voiceless” was something rare, that it was just me alone, but I was humbled in Rome — I discovered that there were many of us! Young people from across the globe who believe that change can begin with a single voice.

I was honored to represent the Philippines at the Voice for Rights International Human Rights Summit, a global assembly of leaders, diplomats, youth advocates, and changemakers committed to upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Thanks to the Guillamon family in Italy — Dinah, Inkoy and Steffi — who helped me settle in, I arrived at the summit ready for the work ahead. There, I met more than 50 passionate youth delegates from around the world. It was overwhelming, and in many ways humbling, to see how young people despite coming from different cultures and realities were united in the belief that peaceful cooperation and open dialogue can shape a better future.

I was selected to deliver a speech on human rights and climate change. The timing couldn’t have been more relevant. Just weeks before my trip, the Philippines experienced a series of disasters: a strong earthquake, volcanic eruptions, and a couple of super typhoons. Three disasters. Two weeks apart. One nation still trying its best to stand. But the question is “how long can we keep standing?”

The truth is the world is changing faster than our ability to adapt, and the planet is paying the price. As Filipinos, we are often described as resilient. And yes, resilience is admirable. But it should not be romanticized. We do not want to be remembered simply as a people who can endure suffering endlessly — we want to be remembered as a people who demanded better.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is the heat waves we tolerate, the floods that enter our homes, the storms that disrupt our lives. It is a human rights issue because it threatens our survival, dignity, and security. It affects the food supply, our access to clean water, public health and safety.

According to the 2024 World Risk Report, the Philippines is the most disaster-prone country in Southeast Asia. For us, climate change isn’t theoretical, it is lived experience. When I was young, I looked to adults as role models. But as I grew up, I realized many of the same problems we faced — inequality, environmental neglect, lack of accountability — these are the very same issues we are dealing with today, only worse.

So perhaps the question should no longer be who is responsible. Guess what? We all are.

The better question is: What are we willing to do about it?

As the youth, we possess a unique kind of power rooted in urgency. We are the generation born into crisis, but also the generation bold enough to demand change. We speak out on social media and outside our homes. We innovate. We question. Through education, advocacy, diplomacy, and online, we have the capacity to awaken both the leaders and the communities to the reality we face.

To you, my dear readers, I leave this message: Let us not normalize climate change. Let us not wait for the next disaster that will force us to adapt. Let us act now.

It is not too late. Use your voice. Use your platforms. Use your power, however big or small, to act and to call for action. We are the generation that can transform empathy into action, and action into lasting change.

I extend my gratitude to Philippine Ports Authority general manager Jay Santiago for allowing me to participate in this summit despite the demanding work schedule at home. And to my fellow youth delegates, I hope we continue nurturing the seeds of hope and shared responsibility back in our own countries.

As the Italians say: “La dolce vita” — life is sweet.

Let’s use it to create something meaningful... because at the end of the day, we are all in the same boat.