14/02/2026
The recent remark of Senator Robin Padilla describing todayโs generation as โweakโ and โcrybabiesโ raises serious concerns, especially in the context of mental health awareness. As advocates for safe spaces, emotional well-being, and psychological support, ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ค๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ.
Labeling young people as โcrybabiesโ reinforces stigma. It discourages individuals from seeking help and invalidates real emotional pain. Strength should not be measured by silence or endurance of suffering. True strength lies in acknowledging oneโs struggles and choosing to heal.
Mental health struggles are not a sign of fragility, they are human experiences. Todayโs generation is not weaker; they are simply more aware, more expressive, and more courageous in speaking about issues that previous generations were often forced to suppress.
๐๐ฌ. ๐๐. ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐. ๐๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐จ, ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, emphasizes:
โThe statement โyou are weakโ condones the idea of trying to live especially when directed toward the youth. Language that empowers rather than words that limit or discourage should be used. The commitment is to guide young people in understanding their emotions, developing resilience, and recognizing their strengths. Labeling them as โweakโ does not support their growth; approaching them with respect, compassion, and encouragement does.โ
๐๐ซ. ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐จ๐, ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, shares:
โOne thing my dad taught me was to be mindful of the words I choose. Although we joke around a lot, he has always reminded me of the power words carry. Whether in a heated argument or on a regular, mundane afternoon, he taught me to pause and think before deciding if the moment truly needs your voice.
I wish people in positions of influence would practice the same. These are tough times, and that clout-chasing, insensitive comment only proves that we need to be braver in speaking up and work together to break the stigma around mental health. Opinions are valid, but in todayโs world, many of them sound careless and uninformed.
Label us all you want, but in this so-called โweakness,โ we continue to find the strength to stand tall.โ
๐๐ฐ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐จ, ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, affirms:
โEvery generation has carried its own struggles. Ngayon, mas pinipili lang nating pag-usapan ang mental health openly para mas maintindihan natin ang isaโt isa. Mas mahirap tiisin ang sakit kapag tinatago lang, kaya being able to say na depressed ka is not a weaknessโit is awareness and strength. We are not weak for speaking up. The more we create space for honest conversations, the more we empower people to heal and grow.โ
As a mental healthโcentered organization, NU PEERS believes that empathy must replace ridicule, and understanding must replace judgment. We advocate for conversations that empower, not shame. Our generation is not weak, we are evolving. We are breaking cycles. And we are choosing healing over harm.
Position Paper Prepared by:
๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐ง๐ ๐. ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ง - ๐๐๐, ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
In consultation with the Members and Advisers
