With the upcoming 2025 elections nearing, the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC),  through the AdDU Blue Vote program, intended to increase the number of future voters through a satellite registration drive. 

The initiative, in collaboration with the COMELEC Davao, SAMAHAN Department of Campaigns and Advocacies (DCA), and the Junior Philippine Society of Public Management (JPSPM), assisted Davao citizens in registering as voters and obtaining other government-issued identification cards.

Ateneo Resource Center for Local Governance (ARCLG) Director Eminel Jane M. Alvior, JD, DPA, emphasized the importance of exercising one’s rights as a citizen and responsibility as part of the political body. 

“When there are more voters, that’s a manifestation that there are more people who want to be involved in the government… the voter registration and the number of voters registered would mean more voices, more participation from the people, and more democratic processes,” Alvior said. 

Further, Alvior pointed out the role of the youth in nation-building as future voters and in being involved in matters of politics and governance.

“Encourage advocacy among the youth… ang pinakatarget natin kasi kayo naman talaga yung dapat involve, [kayo ang] pag-asa ng bayan. Sa inyo nakasalalay ang bukas… then the students or youth to be empowered and then for you to be involved in different advocacies,” she stated. 

Moreover, Alvior highlighted that active participation from the people would keep the government in check and ensure that elected officials would uphold their duty to protect and serve their constituents. 

“It ensures that governance principles are adhered to by our government… when there is improved governance, we can see that the government is more transparent, more responsive to the needs of the people,” she further said. 

AB Communication student Matthew Payumo shared his positive experience on how efficient and fast the registration process is. 

“The process was very fast…I think that it’s really accessible because, instead of going to your respective barangay halls, you can go here sa school… here kay since there are student volunteers and there are also a lot of familiar faces, and you can ask them instead… it’s a lot accessible for us students,” he said. 

According to the AdDU UCEAC page, 356 voters registered during the day, highlighting the success of the registration event and its impact on youth participation in the upcoming elections. 

Secure your Vote, Secure your Identity: A Comelec and Government Agencies’ Identification Cards Satellite Registration was held at the Arrupe Hall, Ateneo de Davao University, last August 16.