Promoting Responsible Decision-making in Practicing the Democratic Right to Vote among the Youth

    Elections have always been one of the fundamental and significant rights in democratic governance but, indifference and lack of interest in participating in political activities have become widespread due to lack of voter education. Nowadays, many people have limited knowledge regarding their right to vote, which impacts the legitimacy of our democracies. With almost a year left before the 2022 Philippines presidential elections, the registration for new voters runs only several months from now. Thus, the importance of voters’ education is of utmost need to inform voters on their right to elect a candidate of their choice and to educate them with the necessary policies and guidelines. However, given the risks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many have yet to register.

Publication Material by Ms. Stephanie Maramag

    

    With this, the Legal Management Society - Community Development Committee of the Faculty of Arts and Letters aimed to equip the youth with information on the essential attitude and preparation to practice their right to suffrage amidst the pandemic. The event is an online webinar held on May 17, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM via Google Meet. The participants were unregistered youth voters of the Ministry of Urban Poor - Diocese of Caloocan. The organization has invited resource speakers who discussed three salient points to achieve genuine political participation from the youth.

Mr. Paul Andrei Roset asking the participants what their dream is for our country.
Captured by: Ms. Philina Beatrice Caaway

   

    The first talk was tackled by Mr. Paul Andrei Roset, a representative of a youth-led nonprofit organization that advocates for good governance in the Philippines. Mr. Roset was able to enlighten the participants about voting and emphasized that needed changes in society can be achieved through active participation in voting as a responsible member of society along with other means to advocate change.

Mr. Kevin De La Cruz, the second speaker of the event, discusses and emphasizes how voting is a democratic right and how every vote counts.
Captured by: Ms. Philina Beatrice Caaway

    The second talk was conversed by Mr. Kevin Dela Cruz, an active member of the society who has been a well-sought resource speaker and trainer around the Philippines. His topic discusses the significance of voting and its effect on society. During Mr. Dela Cruz’s talk, he emphasized the importance of one vote and how it simply changes outcomes.

Rep. Sarah Elago delivers her video message discussing the power of youth vote.
Captured by Ms. Philina Beatrice Caaway

Mr. Raoul Danniel Manuel, the third speaker discusses and highlights the importance of voting.
Captured by: Ms. Philina Beatrice Caaway

   

    The last talk was to be discussed by Rep. Sarah Elago, the first female representative of a youth party-list. However, due to some unfortunate circumstances, Rep. Sarah could not attend the webinar, but she was able to send a video with her discussion about the power of the youth vote. Furthermore, on behalf of her, she sent another speaker, Mr. Raoul Manuel, the present Kabataan Partylist national spokesperson, who also discussed the same topic. His talk concluded the vital role of the youth in nation-building and gave importance in instilling in the minds of this new generation of voters how significant their role in voting and how youth has always been the nation’s hope. Mr. Manuel has provided specific activities and situations on how youth can actively shape the country by participating in political activities and explicitly voting.

Mr. James Gabriel Pichay discusses the voting registration processes during this pandemic.
Captured by: Ms. Philina Beatrice Caaway

    

    Before ending the webinar, Mr. James Gabriel N. Pichay, the president of the Legal Management Society, presented and discussed the voter’s registration processes during this pandemic, including all necessary information such as the required documents and other frequently asked questions such as voter’s id, eligibility and where to register.

Photo of participants and organizers with Mr. Raoul Manuel.
Captured by: Ms. Emmyli Victoria Sison

    

    Despite this pandemic, the event was a huge success. There may be some encountered problems during the preparation and even the event itself, but the facilitators quickly adapted to the situation and provided solutions. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement and growth. Moreover, not only the participants have gained something from this event, but also the organizers, who have established a strong relationship with each other through camaraderie and the participants by conveying the event’s objective and purpose - youth empowerment.