ARANETA, Quezon City — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday called on the church to help guide Filipino youth toward the path of nation-building.

“Our youth are vulnerable and easily impressionable, and I call upon the Church to help us guide our young Filipinos into the right path,” Duterte said during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila here.

“The lures of substance abuse, violent extremism, and rebellion keep pulling away our country’s future. I believe this is where the Church can support nation-building,” she added.

Duterte said the church’s ministries in the communities have “never been more relevant than now” when our youth’s mental and psychological health are held hostage by various social media influences and peer and social pressure.

With the recent physical isolation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duterte emphasized the need for professional help and spiritual guidance to navigate life.

Duterte also lauded Jesus is Lord Church founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva and their members for their strengthened friendship, love for each other, care for fellow Filipinos, the country, and faith in God.

“Alam ko na ang mga nakalipas na mga taon — na puno ng mga pagsubok, tagumpay at kung ano-ano pa mang mga karanasan natin sa buhay — ay mas nagpatatag pa sa inyong pagsasamahan, pagmamahalan sa isa’t isa, malasakit sa kapwa Pilipino at sa bansa, at pananampalataya sa Diyos,” Duterte said.

“Your commitment and sacrifice to reach out, spend time, and minister to these people have truly changed lives one prayer at a time,” she added.

Duterte assured that the government will always be supportive in reinforcing the vision of nation-building.

“We share the same dream of creating a nation where families and people wisely manage their spiritual and civic affairs, all guided by a moral compass that is recognized by our Constitution and inherent in our lives as Filipinos,” Duterte said.

“May this be a common ground for all of us so that we can learn to arise, unite, regardless of faith differences, and build once again a stronger nation founded on the bedrock of Divine wisdom and faith,” she added.

OVP MEDIA