A wonder of General Santos City Nation Secondary School of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT) there is a dedicated adviser for six years, who has turned his life experiences into a mission: to ensure that no Filipino youth has to navigate the same hardships he once endured.
In that simple act, something extraordinary unfolded. He realized a powerful truth: rights do not live only in grand speeches or loud protests—they live in the courage of those willing to pay attention. His moment of awareness grew into understanding, and understanding grew into action. What followed was not just wonderful—it was the beginning of change, sparked by one person who chose to hear what everyone else ignored.
This awakening lies at the heart of the message that James B. Lomocho, a teacher with a vision far bigger than the four corners of his classroom, strives to share with every student he meets. For him, knowing your rights is not an academic lesson—it is a shield, a source of confidence, protection, and courage.
“Rights are your shield,” he reminds his students, hoping that every young person will learn to use that shield to defend themselves, uplift others, and build a world where no one is left unprotected. But what exactly are these rights that call out to us? What are these freedoms waiting to be heard?
You have the right to quality education
Every child and every student deserves meaningful learning—an education that nurtures dreams and shapes futures. This is not a privilege for a chosen few; it is a right that empowers the entire generation.
You have the right to be safe
Safety is essential. Each person deserves to walk, learn, and live without fear. Your well-being matters, and it should never be compromised.
You have the right to be heard
Your voice counts. Your emotions, struggles, and ideas matter. There will always be someone willing to listen. Seeking help is not weakness—it is strength.
You have the right to privacy
Everyone is entitled to personal space and the freedom to protect the parts of their life they are not ready to reveal. Your dignity is yours to guard.
You have the right to be protected from discrimination
Young or old, rich or poor, regardless of gender, identity, or religion in every person is equal. No one has the right to diminish your worth. As the old saying goes, “The world is round”-the respect you give is the respect you receive.
These five rights are more than statements—they are the heartbeat of humanity and the foundation of what it means to be a student, a citizen, and a person. They remind us that everyone deserves protection, respect, and dignity.
And just like the man who paused when no one else did, we are all called to listen—to notice when rights are being ignored, silenced, or forgotten. Because in listening, we begin to understand. And in understanding, we begin to act.As G. James B. Lomocho once said, “You have the right to fight for your right as a person.”
Today’s generation is rising—not with noise, but with awareness. Not with force, but with conviction. Change begins with a single step, a single voice, a single moment of courage. And it begins with you.
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