THE Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the voter registration for the 2025 Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections started on August 1 and ended last August 10, 2025. This period was crucial for voters. For barangay elections, individuals who are at least 18 years old on election day are eligible. For Sanggunian Kabataan elections, individuals who are at least 15 years old but not more than 30 years old on election day are qualified.
However, on a recent announcement from the Presidential Communications Office last August 9, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that he will sign the bill postponing the 2025 Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections to focus on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.
Even with this news, the voter registration process is vital because it allows individuals to participate in local governance and voice their opinion and power to elect officials.
First-time voters Coleen Vera, Raven Cruz, and Mary Ann Razon took this opportunity to register and exercise their right to vote.
First-time voters take on why they registered
Exercising our right to vote is essential in this day and age, as we need to choose rightful candidates who will truly build and develop our community. Each vote is not just a mark on a ballot; it’s an opportunity to lead the direction of our society.
When we participate in elections, there’s a call for the youth to play an active role in building the future we want to live in.
Mary Ann Razon, 19, shared their motivation for voting. Razon wants to voice opinions on candidates who align with their values and vision.
“Para at early age, malaman na din natin kung papaano yung system ng voting,” Razon told RepubliAsia.
“Mas may alam na tayo and possible na baka may mabago tayo sa system na kinalalagyan ng Philippines right now,” she added.
While for Raven Cruz, 20, she was motivated to register and be a voter because of the irregularities and social issues she observed in her community. She is influenced by youth advocates on various media platforms who call for accountability and transparency with the government. As a youth, she believes that informed voting is a powerful tool to fight against corruption. In her own way, she’s determined to create change. She expressed quite frustration at not having exercised her right to vote sooner, recognizing the importance of her voice in shaping her community’s future.
Youth’s eagerness for change
”Wala namang nagbabago kahit bumoto.”
This phrase is what we often hear from people who already think the Philippine government is a lost cause. They just go with the flow and accept things as it is. However, the youth want to change this narrative.
Cruz believes we need to exercise our voting rights and act on them because it’s the primary way to create change.
“Alamin muna natin ba’t ba nila nasabi ‘yon [walang pagbabago kahit bumoto]? Bakit ‘yun pa rin [mga politiko] ‘yung paulit-ulit na niluluklok kaya walang nagbabago?” Cruz told RepublicAsia.
When leadership remains in the hands of the same few people, the cycle of traditional politics and unkept promises will repeat. We need to break away from the corrupt political landscape that only benefits the few. For progress to happen, fresh perspectives and diverse voices are needed, and the youth have them.
Coleen Vera, 19, challenges the statement because she believes that normalizing a narrow mindset would not make any progress. The restrictions people impose limit growth, and this could only spread distrust in society. Thus, openness to dialogue and learning opportunities creates significant change.
“Ang nangyayari kasi, sistema na kasi ‘yung [parang] hindi nakakapagpakita sa’yo ng pagbabago kasi, ayun, nandoon ka lang. Bino-box mo kasi ‘yung sarili mo, kapag sinasabi mo ‘yon,” Vera told RepublicAsia.
Social media as a tool for the youth
With the advent of social media, digital platforms became a tool to endorse, research, and know about potential candidates. Vera, Cruz, and Razon use social media to search and disseminate information. For them, it’s more convenient because with just one click, they can forward fact-checked sources to their family and friends. Aside from a source of information, social media platforms became the youth’s chamber to echo their opinions. With how things trend easily, societal discourse becomes more accessible, especially to Gen Zs.
However, there’s a danger that lies within it. Disinformation and misinformation are persistent and will always exist in every medium, which is why, for Razon, she emphasized that media literacy is important, especially for elderly people. And with a double-edged sword like Artificial Intelligence (AI), using it should come with moderation and ethical use, or else it will be utilized for propaganda and personal interests.
“Kung paano mo siya ma-spot: iba ‘yung tone, iba ‘yung language, iba ‘yung pamamaraan ng pag message ng taong ‘yon kesa sa normal people. Like, hindi siya ‘yung alam mo na– hindi siya bukal sa puso. Hindi siya yung– wala siyang soul,” Vera on how to spot AI on content posted online.
Why youth continues to take a stand
So, why do youth still continue to vote?
Because they carry the hope, they believe there is a silver lining despite the challenges. The youth’s voice never wavers in demanding transparent governance because they are always eager for change to come. They are not just passive observers; they want to actively participate in shaping and mobilizing their communities.
Dark times may come, but they continue igniting a light to make a difference. Like what they call in Filipino, liwanag sa dilim, they want to shed light and prove that they can create change and inspire courage. This goes to show that the youth aspire to light and leave an impact.
