As the official schedule for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) starts this November 2026, various government agencies gathered to highlight the importance of civic awareness and electoral participation among the youth in shaping the country’s trajectory toward a better future.

Being part of a wider government effort, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the National Youth Commission (NYC), launched the “#AkoBatayan – May Karapatan ang Kabataan” caravan last March to encourage youth involvement and empowerment in various barangays nationwide in preparation for the 2026 BSKE. 

NYC Presidential Staff Officer III Elsa Magdaleno emphasized that genuine youth participation always starts at the grassroots level, developing the qualities needed to pursue change within the community and beyond. 

“Kung passionate ka na leader sa school man lang or sa community niyo. Mapapatanong at mapapaisip ka dun, di ba… Youth participation ayon sa slide; it empowers youth to contribute to diverse developmental activities, fostering life skills, knowledge of human rights, and civic action.”

COMELEC XI Assistant Regional Director Atty. Gay Asuncion-Enumerales encouraged the youth to choose candidates wisely especially in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

“Pumili tayo ng tamang leaders natin, especially kayo, during the elections… This is the opportunity to change kung may gusto kayong palitan na SK leaders ninyo para ang future SK members, and the Chairperson is somebody with competence, compassion, integrity, god-fearing, or may moralidad. So, pag meron mga gano’n na criteria, more or less hindi tayo masasaktan sa pinili natin.”

Moreover, she pointed out the importance of exercising one’s right to vote so that people from different walks of life can equally determine the country’s direction, regardless of differences in social realities.  

“You have one vote, whether you are rich or poor, you all have one vote. You have to exercise really your right of suffrage because iyun yung equalizer natin, rich or poor, meron tayong isang boto… that is why election is equal,” Asuncion-Enumerales added.  

CHR Commissioner Justice Monina Zenarosa advocated for the youth to fulfill their social obligation as the ‘pag-asa ng bayan,’ being the primary vehicle for lasting societal change.

“Bilang mga kabataan, kayo ang tagapagtaguyod ng kinabukasan. You are the builder of our nation’s future. Taglay ninyo ang kalayaang mag-isip, magsalita, at kumilos upang magdala ng tunay na pagbabago sa lipunan. You have the capacity and power to bring real and lasting change to our society.”

The #AkoBatayan event was held on June 22 at 4F Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.