UST ABCD: The Political Science Forum

The Political Science Forum (TPSF), with its own aim to be collaborators in creating larger civic education programmes, conducted a voter’s education webinar to educate the thirty youth participants from the Ministry of the Urban Poor, Caloocan last May 3-4, 2021. Prior to the implementation of the project, it is a continuous advocacy of our organization to seek all means necessary in educating voters and bringing the information about electoral candidates, voting rights and duties, and voting procedures accessible to all people most especially to the youth sector. As the 2022 National Elections draw closer, the relevance and importance of the said project became much evident. Therefore, the organization refused to let the pandemic restrict them from shaping smart voters and promoting active participation in strengthening democracy regardless of the distance of each participant and facilitators. Catalyzing smart voters through a Digital voter's education project was the main goal of each organizers.

Phase 1: Community Profiling Activity

Using all the online means necessary to carry out the efficient implementation of our project, the organizers divided the flow of the implementation into two phases. First phase was meant for the Community profiling activity and the second phase was set for the online or recorded voter’s education webinar. In the first phase of the said project, the activities were scheduled as (1) Data Collection stage, (2) Documentation, (3) Arranging of data into meaningful order and using an infographic and (4) Analyzing or Understanding the data for probable interpretations. This stage was deemed important because of the nature of community development programs to conduct profiling to the community or members to picture their needs, participation, level of active participation and so on. There were a total of 10 questions asked towards the participants which sought information on whether or not they were registered, plan to vote and the standards for candidates they usually set. Additionally, we asked them why they registered or chose not to register including the kinds and traits of candidates they will surely vote for and support.

While socially distanced, community youth members fill up Google forms used for data collection captured by Mr. Noli Madeja

Having acquired the complete data, we deemed it necessary to conduct a voter’s education webinar in the community because of three salient points which are (1) lack of voter’s education seminars in the community (2) high number of unregistered voters (3) low level of importance associated with voting. Each of the participants were also given a meal for lunch and for them to enjoy. Through strict compliance with safety protocols, the participants were wearing face shields, facemasks and were observing social distance while they answered the questions. Towards the end of the first phase, they gave out their warm smiles and expressed their gratitude through the Community partnered leader Sir Noli Madeja who distributed the food in each house to avoid the participants from flocking into one place.

Socially distanced distribution of food to participants captured by Mr. Rainier Mendoza

Overall, the participants had a very efficient communication with the kamanlalakbay and efficient answering of the questions through the help of the load or data the organizers provided during both phases.

Phase 2: Voter’s education Done Digitally

During the second phase however, the participants were set to watch the one-hour pre-recorded online webinar that taught them about the importance of youth representation in voting as well as the increasing roles of the youth in the society. Two speakers were invited during that webinar. The speakers were intended to be both youth leaders in order to create more connection and establish a relatability in a snap. The speakers were also both advocates of youth empowerment and youth representation that's why we think the event objective was easily achieved. Moreover, the first talk of the event was led by the Invited Speaker Mr. Paul Roset who is currently a scholar and a student leader who works in one of the Non-profit organization with engaging youth parliamentarians. He talked about the importance of voting and asked the insights the youth can express which flamed their desire for change and recognized the need to vote. The second speaker on the other hand was Ms. Kaye Angelica Lacurom who discussed the rights and responsibilities of a voter which can be applied to all general electorates, not just the youth. This can enable the participants to learn and also teach other people such as their parents, friends and anyone in their close social circle to register and vote wisely.

A youth participant watching intently the recorded voter’s education webinar captured by Mr. Noli Madeja

In addition, since the webinar was pre-recorded, the participants were able to watch, resume, pause and re-watch the seminar as many times as they liked. Hence, it facilitated a more meaningful reflection and pondering. Afterwards, the participants watched two video materials that were included in the online webinar. These materials were included in order to make the event more interesting, active and dynamic. In the end, the participants also answered the evaluation part which can evaluate the performance and success of the event and the project organizers. The participants then ended the event by receiving their own sets of tokens which composed of canned goods, noodles and rice while wearing face shields, face masks and observing the provided safety protocols. The webinar ended with enriched minds and sweet expressions of gratitude from the evaluation results. Each of the participants then took a picture to show that they all received the food lovingly prepared by the organizers.

While wearing face shield and face mask, the young participant poses for a picture as he receive his token of participation captured by Mr. Noli Madeja

Overall Learnings and Recommendations

Lastly, adjusting to the new normal takes grit, the same can be said for the adjustments and changes made to conduct community development programs. As with everything in the new normal, assumptions could already be made on how the adjustment would be. Planning for these projects in the new normal can be monotonous, stressful, and difficult at times as processes have changed and interaction with the partner community has become more limited. It would be a challenge for the organization to adjust. On the other hand, the pandemic has increased the need for assistance of communities and programs that would aid them in achieving long-term solutions to improve their own community accordingly. With this also came multiple complications with schedules and challenges amidst conducting an event during a global pandemic. Conducting community development programs during the new normal would require more planning and advanced plotting of dates as interruptions are more likely to occur and unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances arise.

Even though we had a few setbacks along the way, the program was successful. It also highlighted the importance of active civic participation as the overall program would not be completed without the help of the identified leaders of the community. There is truly power in collaboration. Assets within the community itself can be further utilized. This program was created to address civic participation and increase engagement especially in elections. There is still a lot of work to be done to increase engagement and access to information about governance. Continuing this program will help enable the partner community to participate in societal institutions that are influencing their daily life. Therefore, the upshot of this event is that good leadership can be achieved as it is a step towards improving communities.

PROJECT DETAILS:

Target Beneficiaries:

Youth participants of the Ministry of Urban Poor, Caloocan

Date:

May 3-4, 2021

8:00 am to 12:00 am

Project Proponents:

Gia Karla Martin: TPSF Community Development Project Head (2020-2021)

Hannah Love Galigao: TPSF Community Development Project Asst. Head

It has already been months since The Political Science Forum visited the residents of Ministry of Urban Poor in Caloocan to bring joyful yet meaningful project regarding Basic Education. The Organization, with its own aim of engaging people to a broader understanding of politics, plot this informative project to provide an aid to the community with the goal of teaching them basic education that would enhance their skills not only in reading and analysis but also in terms of writing formal letters. It is a continuous advocacy of the organization to share knowledge to other people and enhance their skills for them to know their rights as citizens, to prevent the abuse of power, and most importantly, to promote social change. Hopefully with this project, the beneficiaries would become critical thinkers in different political engagement within their community as they are already conscious of the true interests of political actors.

And now here we are, the busiest day for each Community Development Coordinator, the implementation day. November 10, 2019 was the final chosen date as there had been cancellations in the pasts due to uncertain events. Things to be brought were checked; the papers, materials for discussion, prize for games, token, certificates, and most importantly, the food. Volunteers and students were more than excited to be part of the chosen community even only for a day. The bus arrived at the location of the event and we were astonished that the participants were younger than expected. However, it did not become a problem as subtle changes have already been made; actually, the enjoyment starts here. As the participants were mostly teenagers, it was easy to caught their attentions and make them participate in the games we prepared. We played “Pinoy Henyo,” we danced Chicken dance, and we even had a small pageant show to know them more and to remove their timidness so they can be comfortable with us. After several minutes, the seminar begins. The talk was about reading and analysis. Personally, I thought the participants would be bored during the discussion but, I was more delighted that they actively participated, raising their hands to engage in the discussion. They were more than willing to learn about this basic education. Moreover, sharing of experiences was also became part of the event so further insights would be attained regarding the participants. As the discussion ended, it was the time to evaluate their learning; context analysis had been prepared for their workshop. The participants were divided into 4 groups with a volunteer per group for assistance to analyze the given news article. The workshop was meant to check their understanding of the importance of reading and analysis in their everyday lives. Each and every one wrote their insights about the text and shared it within the group. 30 minutes was given for them and after that, one representative per group was tasked to explain what they have learned in front of everyone; each representative had simultaneously gone in front to explain their understanding of the article. As they explain, TPSF Commdevt committee were already satisfied of the outcome of this project even 1^st phase was only accomplished. Even for a short time of discussion, they were close to achieve the aim of this whole project with their presentation. The seminar ended with smiles on their face while they were eating their lunch. Not only had the participants had fun as they have said in their evaluation forms, as the coordinators and adviser of TPSF also attained their desire outcome. We took several pictures for souvenirs and some would like to add us on Facebook for more conversations and interactions in the future. We never bid goodbye as we promised that we will return for the continuation of the 2^nd and 3^rd phase of the project. Sadly, continuation has been postponed due to the pandemic that cost us to stay at home for a while. Nevertheless, the memories from the MUP community would be cherished as we would not forget them but will be more than proud if they sustain the project and keep it in their mind as they grow older and be a person with a name someday; they may forget the people but not the shared knowledge inclined to that seminar.

FIRST PHASE- November 10, 2019