COMM Seminar emphasizes Youth’s role in changing nation through Voter Education

Report by Nish Raven Manglanlan | Photos by Angilene Dableo and Leean Margarette Magat

Bagong PILI-pinas group of the 4th year AB Communication students conducted “A Seminar on Strengthening Youth Participation through Voter Education and Community Dialogue” last March 27, 2025 (THURDAY), at the Theater Room, Smith Hall Building.

The program highlighted the role and significance of the youth, with their saying "Kabataan ako at Magmamarka Ako," for the upcoming 2025 midterm election, which the members—Alexander Adrian Ong, Ma. Cristina Navarro, Jandale Loui Mendoza, Mj Sembrano, and Jester Rale Atendido—looked into.

Aside from the general talk regarding how the youth can impact the future of our government, guest speaker Dr. Joseph Navarro, Founding President of JENESYS Philippines Alumni Association, shared his knowledge and experiences. He also pointed out the issues and the insufficiency of the past and present government, further stressing the importance of people’s votes.

“Mahalaga na pinag-uusapan natin yung pagpili, yung pagboto, dahil hindi lang ito katumbas ng isang gawain, ito’y katumbas po ng kinabukasan niyo,” said Dr. Navarro.

He then emphasized the influence of the current generation on the future by casting their votes.

“Ang pwede lang mag-define ng generation niyo ay kayo, dahil sarili niyo yan, konteksto ninyo yan, reality niyo yan, sa ayaw man natin o hindi, kayo po ang magmamana ng Pilipinas na pinapangarap ninyo, or worse, sama-sama nating bababuyin,” he said.

Mr. Ong also expressed his thoughts in an interview, dwelling on the seminar’s impact on the youth and their capacity to bring a change for the Philippines.

“Malaki ang percentage ng boto ng kabataan at naniniwala ako na kaya nating baguhin kung ano man ang gusto nating baguhin sa ating bansa kung tayo ay boboto ng tama." He added.

To extend their gratitude for the success and completion of the program, certificates were given to the guest speaker and the student attendees who participated in the seminar.