Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, who heads the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, has raised the alarm over this new and deeply unsettling battlefield where unwitting teenagers are exposed through their gadgets and digital games to the stalking of cold and dark forces out to condition their minds toward nihilism and violence.

This came to light as seven minors, whom I refer to here as the Maleficent 7, were recently pulled out of what authorities say was an online web of psychological grooming. Inside gaming platforms meant for play, conversations had taken a dark turn. Participants were allegedly encouraged to idolize mass shooters, to imagine violence, to rehearse it — and, chillingly, to end their own lives after carrying it out.

This is not random, but surgical trappings of a deadly and hateful ideology. Call it what it is: nihilism. The belief that life has no meaning, no value, no consequence. Strip a young mind of purpose, and what remains is a dangerous vacuum — one that can be filled with rage, spectacle, or worse, a desire to feel something through destruction.

We have seen the tragic results of this in many mass shootings and suicide bombings reported in the past. The desire to annihilate humanity begins with very suggestive ideas of self-harm.

In April 2024, Australian authorities arrested seven teenagers in Sydney — juveniles aged 15 to 17 —  linked to a network of “religiously motivated violent extremist ideology.” The arrests followed a stabbing attack on a bishop during a livestreamed sermon. Police moved quickly, deploying 400 officers across multiple raids, warning that while no specific target had been identified, the risk of an attack was real and imminent.

That’s why I see the Maleficent 7 as a forewarning that the Philippines is not immune to such violence. The proof is just a different country, but with seven youths and the same pattern.

Why the Philippines? Well, we’re positioned at the fault line of the South China Sea tensions, wedged between the strategic interests of the United States and China, and so we are a vulnerable tipping point for geopolitical superpowers. Add to that a world increasingly fractured by religious conflict, including the widening ripple effects of tensions involving Iran and its adversaries in the Muslim-Arab world, and the risk multiplies. In Mindanao, where insurgency has long simmered, extremist narratives can find fertile ground if left unchecked.

Then, there’s also the indelible Duterte effect. Years of normalized violence — traced to the brutal excesses of the Duterte-era drug war — have, in subtle ways, dulled the nation’s moral reflexes. A kind of cultural fatigue has set in, where outrage is shorter-lived and ethical lines blur more easily.

In a blog post in the US, I read criticism of the Philippine leadership in 2019 and how distorted belief systems, which it coined as “Filipism,” can take root because brutality had been reframed as order. And so moral shortcuts like executing drug dealers and users on the street have become acceptable.

This is why the PNP’s call matters. And why it should unsettle parents enough for them to become vigilant “digital guardians.” It sounds simple, but it is actually not. Because the threat no longer knocks on the door — it logs in, joins the game, and starts a conversation. And sometimes, that is all it takes.

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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

Drawing from their firsthand experience inside Novartis Philippines and the inspiring journeys shared by speakers during the Day of the Future program of the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines, students observed how science, innovation, and patient-centered work intersect in real time. But beyond seeing cutting-edge processes, they encountered something far more meaningful: the reminder that the future is shaped not only by intellect, but by learning fearlessly, embracing possibility, and leading with purpose.

Much of their inspiration came from the human stories behind professional success. Mentors spoke candidly about academic struggles, evolving aspirations, and the unexpected turns that shaped their careers. The students realized that purpose is often discovered not through rigid plans, but through openness, curiosity, and the courage to grow.

In many Filipino households, education is regarded as the greatest inheritance parents can pass on to their children — the equalizer that opens doors, strengthens character, and offers the promise of a better life. This belief came into sharp focus for nine students from the Philippine Science High School during the third edition of the Day of the Future in the Philippines, where an ordinary school day transformed into an immersion that reshaped how they viewed their own paths and their role in nation-building.

What began as a typical morning of classes quickly became a rare opportunity to witness careers up close — not through books, videos, or lectures, but through real workplaces, real people, and honest stories from professionals who once stood exactly where they are now.

Experiencing the Future Beyond the Classroom

Inside the offices of Swiss companies like Novartis, the students observed professionals at work and engaged in conversations on science, innovation, advocacy, and leadership. The experience allowed them to see how ideas, discipline, and collaboration come together in real-world environments — a perspective no traditional classroom can fully offer.

A Moral Reminder That Stands Out

Among the lessons shared, one message resonated deeply.

Dr. Peter Paul Ronque, a Philippine Science High School alumnus and now a respected professional in the pharmaceutical industry, opened with a simple but powerful reminder: do not cut classes. Every class missed, he stressed, is an opportunity lost. For students raised in a culture that sees education as a vital inheritance, his words carried weight. Dr. Ronque’s journey — from Pisay to medicine and eventually into the pharmaceutical field — showed that discipline and curiosity can open unexpected but deeply rewarding paths.

The Call to Purpose

Bernadette Joy “Beej” Almirol added another dimension by emphasizing the role of today’s youth in shaping the future of health, science, and innovation in the Philippines. She urged them to remain courageous, compassionate, and committed to contributing to their communities — turning their education into something larger than themselves.

When Careers Take Unexpected Turns

Livia Meisser, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy, echoed this reflection by sharing her own journey from studying law to discovering her vocation in diplomacy. She reminded the students that careers rarely follow straight lines — and that openness and courage often lead to the most meaningful opportunities. Her message eased the pressure many young people silently carry: the expectation to have their futures mapped out too early.

What the Students Carried Home

Through the Day of the Future, the Swiss Embassy showcased how experiential learning can ignite curiosity and sharpen purpose. Supported by the Department of Education, the program showed students the real-world impact of science, collaboration, and meaningful work — insights no traditional lesson can replicate.

The students returned to school carrying more than new knowledge. They carried a renewed sense of responsibility, a deeper appreciation for their education, and the conviction that they have vital roles to play in shaping a stronger Philippines.

Having witnessed the program firsthand, one thing was unmistakable: these young minds — our future leaders — left with clarity, confidence, and purpose. And in them, I saw something even more powerful: the quiet but certain beginning of a movement. The Day of the Future was no longer just a program or an annual activity — it became a mindset they chose to begin today, through every action they take, every curiosity they pursue, and every moment they take their studies seriously.

We at Mind You are deeply concerned by the latest data released by the Department of Education on the number of students who have taken their own lives or attempted suicide during the Academic Year 2021-2022.

During a hearing of the Senate Basic Education Committee, Assistant Education Secretary Dexter Galban revealed that a total of 404 young students in various parts of the country took their own lives and 2,147 others attempted suicide during this period when schools shifted to remote learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the move was dedicated to protecting the students from the virus, it revealed the gaps that need to be addressed concerning our learners as one of the most vulnerable sectors of society for mental health issues. As the focus was on continued learning, the isolation took a toll on their mental well-being, making them at risk for issues such as anxiety and depression.

As advocates for Mental Health Awareness, we will be working on the ground with the Department of Health and Department of Education under the Healthy Learning Institutions Project. Mind You will be providing access to mental health support and interventions to students in last-mile elementary schools in provinces part of the project. This program, which provides access to mental health interventions for grade school students and their teachers, is set to expand its coverage to Metro Manila.

Through the support of the Australian Government, we are also working on establishing a mental health hotline to provide module-guided Psychological First-Aid to those who might find themselves in a crisis situation.

However, so much more needs to be done. This alarming crisis in mental health among our youth needs to be addressed urgently and effectively with a multi-sectoral approach that includes stakeholders from the government and private institutions.

We cannot afford to lose more lives to the stigma that persists in our society about mental health issues. We have to start putting more interventions in place to reach those who are experiencing mental health challenges at different stages in their life.

We enjoin all Filipinos to be advocates for mental health awareness and to be channels for change, as we break the stigma and build a healthier, stronger, more mentally-resilient society.

In recent years, there has been a decrease in the proportion of young people in employment. Despite the increase in the population of people ages 14 and 24, growing by over 30 percent to 1.2 billion in just two decades, their participation in the labor market declined by 12 percent. According to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this number is expected to decline with time.

Apart from this reality, a recent report by GenU, PwC, and UNICEF noted that young people worldwide find it difficult to join the labor force because they cannot identify or acquire the skills needed for today’s job market. This contributes to a global skills gap and exacerbates youth unemployment. Less than a quarter of youth in lower-income countries are also estimated to be on track to attain the necessary skills to thrive in school, work, and life.  

In a recent statement, Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of GenU said, “today’s young people are three times more likely than adults to be unemployed, which makes for a very uncertain future for all of us. To keep up with the ever-changing demands of the labor market, young people need a full set of skills to compete locally and globally. I am delighted that SAP and GenU are continuing our long-standing partnership. Together we will support even more young people worldwide to unlock opportunities.”

Helping upskill the next generation of leaders

Leveraging GenU’s signature program Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), the partners will pilot a new program that supports ‘learning to earning’ pathways in the digital green economy for marginalized youths, helping them acquire new skills to flourish. 

Among many countries across the globe, the Philippines is the only country selected for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), along with Nigeria and South Africa. This new program, to be piloted in early 2023, aims to provide more than 500,000 young people with foundational and digital skills acquisition opportunities by the end of the first year to transform their life trajectories.

The partnership will also support SAP’s “educate to employ” initiative, which aims to educate youth on soft skills and foundational knowledge. This initiative includes honing SAP skills using the student zone on the SAP Learning site, where students can learn about the latest SAP solutions for free via this site, which would help them gain the knowledge they can usethat can help to kickstart their careers.

SAP and UNICEF first joined forces in support of GenU in 2019 and have since reached three million young people in India, Turkey, and Vietnam with transformative education models.

“Education is one of the key priorities in the Philippines, especially regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). With the plans laid by the current administration, especially as it strengthens its government digital transformation initiatives, we believe that upskilling talents, particularly their digital skills, is likewise integral. In collaboration with UNICEF and GenU, this new program adds to SAP’s projects and initiatives, geared toward helping upskill Filipino talents, particularly among the youths,” said Rudy Abrahams, Managing Director, SAP Philippines. 

Expanding digital skills initiative

Aside from its partnership with UNICEF, SAP pledged to help upskill 2 million people worldwide by 2025 to strengthen its commitment to creating opportunities through learning and development. In support of this, SAP recently launched its expanded digital skills initiative to provide easier access to essential learning resources to underrepresented and underserved groups in technology, as well as its collaboration with Coursera, a global online learning platform with more than 110 million learners worldwide. 

Together, on the Coursera platform, SAP offers an online, seven-course SAP Technology Consultant Professional Certificate, where participants can learn more about SAP, the role of a technology consultant, and the value SAP professionals bring to customers. This offering provides focused, role-based entry-level learning resources for everyone and is available exclusively on Coursera.

SAP’s other initiatives in the Philippines include the SAP University Alliances program. This initiative enables faculty and teachers worldwide to educate next-generation talents with SAP skills. University Alliances members can access SAP software and learning content, learn best practices for integrating program resources into teaching, and be inspired to partner with the SAP ecosystem of customers and partners.

About 23 member universities in the Philippines are under the SAP University Alliances program. This initiative continuously aims to empower Filipino educators to equip better the next generation of talents with the latest SAP technologies and relevant skills.  

Meanwhile, SAP has also been collaborating with ASEAN Foundation to equip youths with data analytics skills to create solutions for the ASEAN region’s pressing social issues through the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ADSE) competition. 

The Philippines is one of the active participating countries in this program. It complements the country’s current programs geared towards upskilling young Filipinos and empowering ASEAN youths with essential digital skills, collaboration skills, and the ability to communicate ideas and think critically. 

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews. 

By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF

One day after the Philippines commemorated Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s 125th martyrdom and a strong believer in the power of the youth, DoubleDragon unveiled the iconic giant modern art sculptures BAYANI & PAG-ASA right at the DoubleDragon Meridian Park along EDSA at the Bay Area yesterday, December 31.

The mammoth 64 feet or about six storeys high sculptures are posted along the entrance of DoubleDragon Meridian Park, stands a refreshing new installation of public art depicting a figure of a young person named “BAYANI”. Not far down the road is another installation of public art waving at passersby along EDSA named “PAG-ASA”.

Dedicated to the Filipino youth, the sculptures symbolize the future of the country as the young median age of the Philippine population is one of the key driving forces that fuel economic growth. It also symbolizes the aspiration of making the Philippines into one of the largest economies in the world within the next few decades.

The ultra-modern stainless steel sculptures were designed by globally acclaimed Filipino artist Jefrë Figueras Manuel, also known as “JEFRË”.

“The Filipino words BAYANI and PAG-ASA are a huge inspiration to create sculptures in this region of the Philippines. You need one and the other. The idea of a hero wouldn’t exist without hope and with hope, you can become a hero,” says Filipino artist JEFRË.

“I believe that the Filipino youth have the potential to be recognized as active participants in worldwide activities, hence the globe for the head. They’re both composed of very hard metal that is polished and brushed to perfection – very much like the story of the Filipino youth,” added JEFRË.

These larger than life iconic sculptures are set to soon become a selfie destination and a national landmark along the Bay Area. Public art is a distinguishing part of the landscape and adds meaning to the DD Meridian Park development.

With these installations, DD Meridian Park will have a stronger sense of place and identity. The company is confident that this landmark modern art tribute to the Filipino youth will be embraced and valued by the public and that they will identify and be inspired with the heroism and hope that it intends to impart.

For his part, DoubleDragon and DDMP REIT Inc. Chairman Edgar “Injap” Sia II said, “We hope that this tribute to the Filipino youth, Bayani and Pag-asa, will in some way or another spark inspiration in our hearts and minds to remind all of us that the Philippines has what it takes to become a highly prosperous first world country.”

The Philippine economy is forecasted to become one of the world’s largest economy by 2050. The reasons cited are the young median age of the Philippine population as well as the geographic advantage, and the natural resources advantage among other key elements. The future growth of the Philippines will be fueled by its young population. The Filipino youth armed with a deep sense of heroism and hope is expected to catapult the Philippines’ ranking jump higher among other countries in the World.

The 4.8 hectare DD Meridian Park complex was designed to have a lasting positive impact on the wellbeing of its occupiers. DoubleDragon upholds a strong sense of corporate social responsibility and always endeavors to build exemplary sustainable eco-friendly iconic structures that will blend well with the community intended to remain productive and relevant in the next 100 years and more.

Bayani and Pag-Asa are expected to further complement and enhance DoubleDragon Meridian Park’s position as the the most desirable office and commercial address in the Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The late Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero immortalized the role of the youth in shaping the country’s future, hence when he said, “The youth is the hope of our motherland” that still redounds in the minds of the people, old and young alike because its meaning and essence cannot be denied.

As our youth continues to face challenges in so many aspects such as education, mental health, employment opportunity in the midst of pandemic, the responsibility to carry our country over and bring back the old glory remains on their shoulder.

As we celebrate International Youth Day today, August 12, let us not be content with saluting and praising the youth with the oft-repeated phrase: “the shapers and hope of the future”. Instead, let us mark this day, designated for the youth by the United Nations General Assembly, and make it more meaningful, by acknowledging that in reality, there are situations and barriers which affect our collective development as young people to prepare us to be leaders and the hope of the future. A greater collective solidarity is crucial to combat these persisting barriers towards a more humane society where human rights are protected and ensured, equity and social justice are the norms and young people are at the forefront in a society we help to build.

Rise from the Margins!

The world has an estimated 1.21 billion young people aged 15 to 24, according to the United Nations World Youth Report in 2020. At the same time, the Philippines has the largest generation of young people in its history, with 19.8 million as of January 2020. Given a supportive environment to develop their full potentials, the Filipino youth is a driving force for sustainable development. The reality, however, shows a very high number of young people battling a never-ending cycle of poverty, lack of education, violence, and human rights abuses that restrict their aspirations and prevent them from enhancing their world-changing potentials.

Around the world, there are about 262 million or 1 out of every 5 children, adolescents, and youth who are out of school. The Philippines has an estimated 3.6 million of the 38.2 million Filipinos aged 6 to 24 years considered out of school youth in 2017. It has gone up to 10 million because of the pandemic. As the pandemic lingers, we fear that more children and youth may be lost to the education system entirely, becoming more vulnerable to child labor, trafficking, abuse, and violence. The pandemic, exacerbated by home quarantines and loss of livelihood has brought us anxiety, disrupted routines, social stresses, and academic challenges associated with the shift to blended and distance learning. These have been heightened by the lack of or reduced access to physical and psychosocial support.

While it is recognized that young people have the ability to contribute new and fresh perspectives, even to the ills of the nation, we remain to have limited participation in the whole process of decision-making and limited representation from positions of governance. Our point of view is usually that of an outsider, our causes are seen as resistance.

As the natural heirs of the world now faced with bigger problems, increased youth participation will further empower young people, help build communities and remedy a range of social problems. WE can and must rise from the margins! This is OUR collective responsibility!

Claim Our Future!

EDUCATE the youth for a fair chance to take part in social and economic life actively and productively. The unjust realities have to be addressed and actions must be taken to ensure that the fundamental human rights, especially the right to education of the youth are protected and secured.

UPHOLD AND SECURE the right of all young people to quality education at all levels. The government must take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all, increase public investment and expand the public provision of education in terms of coverage and quality improvement targeted at areas where the need is greatest – rural areas and urban poor communities and reaching the most marginalized, excluded and vulnerable children and youth. 

PROTECT AND DEFEND the youth from State terror and violence. It is not enough to put the youth in schools.  Young students and activists should be free to exercise their Constitutionally granted rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association and recognize that youth initiatives and community-based actions produce mass-oriented movements that can lead to massive education awareness towards an education system and society that prioritize the Filipino people’s interests and advancement.

CREATE AND GUARANTEE spaces for youth participation in the whole process of decision-making to prepare young people to become active and effective citizens. Participation is a fundamental right of all people, regardless of age. Ensure that young people are educated and involved in policy-making processes and given the opportunity to take part in various platforms to discuss youth-policy matters and propose changes and improvements on budgeting for education and other essential services i.e. health, environmental protection, disaster risk management, and attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), at local, national and international levels.

We must continue to believe that the youth are capable of becoming the catalysts of positive social changes. We must not be seen as only beneficiaries but agents of our future.

Education empowers. Education shifts powers. The more young people are educated, the more young people are engaged in movements for a better future.

Together, Let Us Rise from the Margins and Claim Our Future!

“Edukasyong Sapat, Ligtas, Karapat-dapat, Para sa Lahat!”

#EducationForAll #AccessForAll #InternationalYouthDay

The Enet Youth Network:

Active Genuine Youth Leaders Association (AGYLA) • Alyansa ng Mamamayan ng Bagbag Youth (ALMABA)  • Youth Academic Ease Stakeholders’ Solidarity (ACCESS)  • Kabataan Kontra Kahirapan (KKK)  • Pinagsamang Lakas ng Kabataan – Unang Hakbang Foundation  •  PUP Students’ Party for Equality and Advancement of Knowledge (SPEAK)  • SEEDS (Solidarity for Environmental Development and Sustainability) Philippines  • Safe Cities Youth Theater Advocacy Group  • Santisimo Rosario Integrated High School Supreme Student Government  • Singkamas Youth Organization  • Unang Hakbang Foundation •  Youth for Nationalism and Democracy (YND)

Video interview and editing By Monsi A. Serrano

Renowned internationally travel video blogger, Nas Daily returned to the Philippines, after two (2) years with a festive meet-and-greet at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier on September 27, 2019.

The event paved the way to a video shoot with the attending audience, to be featured in Nas Daily’s next online video.

Prior to meeting his audience, Nas spoke to the intimate group of media and gave them the chance to interview him.

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Nas who also experienced several failures in his life, gave several pointers to Filipinos striving to make their mark as influencers.

Nas also challenged those “change makers” that the real change-makers focused on purpose rather than the pursuit of fame and fortune.

He undescored to the aspiring influencers that they must not be motivated by fame or money, but rather right reasons and everything else follows.

Watch the video: