Aquino asks youth to develop democracy amid diversity

Philippines President YM Benigno S. Aquino III is asking Indonesia’s youth to develop democracy and learn from the diversity in the country.

The message was delivered by the Philippines president in a speech at Pelita Harapan University (UPH) in Karawaci, Tangerang, on Tuesday.

“We have come to a global era of democracy in Asia and diversity has become typical among us,” the Aquino, who visited UPH as part of a two-day visit to Indonesia, said.

“The young generation has to work hand in hand to develop democracy in diversity for a better future,” he said.

The president also received the academic title “Doctor Honoris Causa” from UPH.

UPH rector Jonathan L. Parapak said the title was given to Aquino because he had done numerous things that helped progress and welfare in the Philippines.

“Since he became the president of the Philippines in June 2010, Aquino created a policy that improved ties between Indonesia and the Philippines,” Parapak said.

He said when Aquino was a senator he had made great contributions in the legal field and to justice and human rights by issuing policies that protected the rights of workers, improved education, strengthened the law and protected the environment.

The titled was awarded in a formal ceremony conducted by the UPH senate. National Education Minister M. Nuh, Youth and Sports Minister Andi Malarangeng, UPH founder James. T Riyadi and his father Mochtar Riyadi and about 2,000 UPH students attended the event.