MANILA—Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday said the fate of the country does not lie in the hands of one leader and urged young professionals to bring about change.

“Even after the triumph of the People Power revolution, up to this day, Filipinos are still seeking saviors who will solve our problems. But I believe the fate of our country lies not in the hands of one great leader but in all of us. It is shaped by little everyday acts of courage and generosity,” Robredo said in a speech at De La Salle University.

The vice president said the country needs leaders who will reach out to the marginalized, more than those who display brute force or who use strong language.

“But even more than those who reach out, we need leaders who are empowering and inspiring, who bring out the best in people, and help them become great leaders as well,” she said.

“They need to be courageous so that they are not threatened by the act of listening. They are not offended even by dissent.”

Robredo encouraged the youth not to fear mistakes, meeting resistance or facing rejection.

“Even when you are on the side of truth and inclusivity, you will meet people who will doubt your intentions and question your ways, but when that time comes do not budge. Fight, resist, do not conform. It will be scary but you need not fear, because we can do all of this together,” she said.

Robredo mentioned that young people were also among those who stood up to the dictatorship during the Martial Law era.