ENCOURAGING the youth to exercise their democratic duty, the San Beda Rover Circle (SBRC), Rotaract Club of San Beda College Alabang (RAC), and the Junior Bedan Law Circle (JBLC) orchestrated the webinar “Bata ka pa, wala ka pang alam”: The Filipino Youth and their Role in the 2022 National Election.” It was held last Aug. 27 via Zoom and was live-streamed through the SBRC Facebook page.

The event started with an opening prayer led by Cedric Flor (IV-BSBA-FM), an RAC member. This was followed by Dean Ryan M. Sicat’s opening remarks. In his speech, the Dean placed importance on the youth’s role in elections. He recalled Rizal’s sentiments on democracy, “Filipinos [were] not yet ready at that time because the majority were illiterate. The problem encountered by Rizal during his time is the same problem we’re encountering now.” Dr. Sicat also identified the role of social media in voter education and raising election awareness.

Choosing the Right Leaders

Pia Delos Reyes (IV-BSBA-HRDM), Secretary of SBRC, introduced the speaker, Ms. Emma Masongsong, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Education and Information Department Officer who helped conceptualize the voter education platform: “Know Elections Better” (KEB). 

Masongsong first asked the audience if the efforts of government officials were felt during the pandemic and if they were satisfied. Afterward, Masongsong elaborated on the constitutional right and obligation of the youth to vote. She explained as well the importance of elections because these allow citizens to choose the nation’s leaders and be protected from abusive leaders. Masongsong reminded the students that elections are held only for a day and those registered should take the time to cast their votes. She said, “There is no perfect candidate but at least sa pamamagitan ng ating matalinong pagboto, mahaharang ang di karapat-dapat.” 

 Masongsong also explained the process of voter registration. Due to pandemic restrictions, voter registration was temporarily suspended in areas under ECQ and MECQ. She ended her talk by addressing the participants’ questions.

The Gen Z Perspective

Angelica Delos Reyes (IV-BSLM), Secretary of JBLC, introduced the next speaker, Mr. Mirus Ponon who is the Founder and Executive Director of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Youth Advocates Network and a recipient of the Global Teen leader Award. He is likewise a National Youth Council Member for World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines.

Ponon elaborated on the importance of voting as well as the role of the youth in society. He emphasized that Filipinos form part of the government and the casting of a vote serves as a person’s voice. He likewise explained the importance of voter registration and education as well as the indicators of good governance. He challenged the students to break the cycle of ineffective governance by saying, “No one is going to change the cycle and break the stigma [other] than us . . . So, kung hindi magiging tayo, edi sino? Are we going to wait for the next generation to make the change that we want to see?”

Panelists’ Two Cents

Froilan Tiamzon (IV-BSLM), SBRC Treasurer, introduced the participants of the panel discussion. Apart from Ponon, the other panelist was Mr. Kevin Martin Dela Cruz who was awarded by Meg Magazine as one of the 30 under 30 Youth Movers and Achievers in the Philippines and Co-Founder of Good Governance Initiative, Entrepreneurship as well as the Incubation Manager of Innovation for Social Impact Partnerships.

The panel discussion started with a question on the mentality of those who do not vote. Ponon said, “Acknowledge that people can decide, act, and change within the flow of our interactions and we also need to reexamine relations that need to be nurtured.” The second question dealt with motivating people to register despite the inconvenience. “[‘Yung pagboto] ay ‘yung responsibilidad mo o ‘yung tungkulin mo bilang isang mamamayan . . . Iisipin mo na kung hindi ikaw, pano pa sila? . . . Dahil sa marami tayong konektadong mga tao, madaling maka-impluwensiya ng mga ginagawa natin dun sa desisyon ng iba,” Dela Cruz responded.

Wrapping up the discussion, Ponon reiterated, “I look for someone who is genuine and authentic. Genuine in intention, genuine in service, because I believe that is the core of everything. . . The values that you have will always be more important than skill and it really does start with having that authentic mission [and] vision.” Dela Cruz added that when he started voting, it was also the time he got curious about how the government works, “Kaya importante na bumoto dahil doon niyo mas makikilatis at makikilala ang government bilang ally or the change you want as a young person.”

Delivering the closing remarks, JBLC President Andrea Legaspi (IV-BSLM) thanked the students, speakers, and panelists who participated. The sponsors of the event were: NESAPh Jose Protacio Rizal Chapter No. 2, NESAPh Antonio Rios Torillo Chapter No. 9, QCC Eagle Scout Association, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela Rover Scout, Juris Orbis, Pulagrafia SBCA, Silakbo, Bedan Electoral Committee, Bedan Information Technology Society, THE BEDAN HERALD, SBCA Junior Financial Executives, Bedanz Dance Troupe, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants SBCA, and Sebastianian Business Management Society.