A message of resilience met a campus audience in Cebu as a senator framed today’s crises as the training ground for tomorrow’s leaders.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday told students of Cebu Technological University (CTU) that periods of crisis often produce stronger generations prepared for greater responsibilities.
Speaking during the CTU student government’s Miting de Avance and Dialogue on April 16, Cayetano pointed to a convergence of global and national challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, corruption issues, and rising geopolitical tensions.
He said these difficulties, while disruptive, often shape individuals who later take on leadership roles in society.
“Usually, the generations that go through crises are [the] stronger generations,” he said.
Cayetano said historical patterns show that people who endure hardship are often the ones entrusted with bigger responsibilities later in life.
He also drew parallels with biblical figures who, he said, went through trials before fulfilling their purpose.
The senator further discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), saying it reflects how people interpret change differently.
While some see AI as a threat to employment, he said others view it as an opportunity for innovation and progress.
“Both of them are looking at the same thing. One of them saw opportunity. The other one saw defeat,” Cayetano said.
He encouraged students to adopt a forward-looking mindset and actively engage in shaping responses to emerging challenges rather than being limited by uncertainty.
Cayetano also urged young people to take part in leadership and civic participation, including voting, and to move beyond political divisions after elections.
“Students, please vote. Pick the leaders that you want and that can lead you into the next chapter,” he said.
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