WARNING: The Fate of the Philippines Lies in the Hands of the Youth—Are They Ready to Decide?

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As the Philippines approaches the May 2025 national and local midterm elections, a remarkable demographic shift is set to redefine the nation's political landscape. Millennials and Generation Z, encompassing individuals born between 1981 and 2007, now constitute approximately 63% of the voting-age population. 

This surge underscores the critical importance of voter education and awareness, especially among the youth, to ensure a vibrant and informed democracy.

The Youth Surge: A Transformative Force

The voting-age population has experienced a substantial increase, rising from 65.7 million in 2022 to 75.9 million in 2025. Among the registered voters, Millennials (ages 29 to 44) account for 34.15%, while Generation Z (ages 18 to 28) comprises 28.79%. This demographic shift signifies that the majority of voters are now under the age of 45, positioning the youth as a formidable force in shaping the nation's future. 

Empowering Through Education: Initiatives and Collaborations

Recognizing the pivotal role of the youth, various institutions have embarked on initiatives to enhance voter education:

COMELEC and TESDA Partnership: In July 2024, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a memorandum of agreement to integrate voter education into TESDA's curriculum. This collaboration aims to equip citizens with essential knowledge about the electoral process, fostering informed participation. 

Bangsamoro Region Engagement: The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), in partnership with COMELEC, organized voter education forums targeting youth leaders. These initiatives aim to prepare young voters for the region's first parliamentary elections, emphasizing the significance of their participation in shaping governance. 

Institutionalizing Voter Education: A National Imperative

The movement to embed voter education within the educational system has gained momentum. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. advocated for the integration of voter education into the K-12 curriculum, emphasizing the need to empower the youth to make discerning choices in leadership. This proposal underscores the administration's commitment to fostering an informed electorate from an early age. 

The Digital Generation: Navigating Information in the Digital Age

Generation Z, often referred to as the "digital generation," possesses unique characteristics that influence their engagement:

Information Access: With unprecedented access to information through digital platforms, Gen Z has the tools to critically analyze political content, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Content Creation: Beyond passive consumption, many youths actively create content, shaping narratives and influencing peers through blogs, vlogs, and social media discussions.

Peer Education: The interconnectedness of the digital age allows young voters to educate and mobilize their peers, amplifying the reach of voter education initiatives.

Challenges Ahead: Ensuring Effective Engagement

While the youth's potential is immense, several challenges must be addressed to harness their full impact:

Combating Misinformation: The digital landscape, while rich in information, is also rife with misinformation. Equipping young voters with media literacy skills is crucial to discern credible sources from misleading ones.

Addressing Apathy: Some youths may feel disillusioned with politics, perceiving it as distant or corrupt. Tailored programs that resonate with their aspirations and demonstrate the tangible impact of their votes can counteract this apathy.

Ensuring Accessibility: For voter education to be effective, it must be accessible to all, including marginalized communities. Leveraging technology and community-based approaches can bridge gaps and ensure inclusivity.

A Call to Action: The Future Lies with the Youth

As the May 2025 elections approach, the onus is on educational institutions, government agencies, civil society, advocacy initiatives such as the Umalohokan Workshops, and the youth themselves to champion voter education. An informed and engaged youth electorate can drive transformative change, ensuring that the Philippines' democratic processes reflect the aspirations and ideals of its younger generations.

In this pivotal moment, investing in comprehensive voter education is not just a preparatory step for an election; it is a foundational pillar for a robust and enduring democracy.

*Photo from UNICEF

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