To foster inter-ideological dialogues and knowledge-sharing on electoral processes ahead of the 2025 national midterm elections, PiliPINAS: Buhayin ang Demokrasya urged the youth to be politically informed and involved.
AdDU Political Science and History Department Chair Rhodalie Emilio stated that over 50% of voters are expected to be under the age of 40, emphasizing the youth’s role in influencing not only the results of the elections but also the state of the country.
However, a study published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute showed that at least one in four Filipino undergraduate students are willing to accept a non-democratic governance, putting the Philippines second among Southeast Asian countries.
With this, AdDU Gender and Development Committee chair Mary Donna Grace Cuenca highlighted the importance of moral recovery in restoring Filipino democratic principles.
“We need to combat the educational crisis that’s happening in the country by defining the truths that we stand for and that we should stand for.”
Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Agham Pampulitika ng Ateneo (SAMAPULA) founder and Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF) Formator Jopriz Bueno also cited the dual potential as both an instrument of oppression and liberation of faith in governance, especially in the Jesuit Institution.
“In the history of the church, faith has become an instrument to dismantle oppressive and exploitative structures of society,” Bueno said.
Council of Organizations of the Ateneo – Davao (COA-D) Social Sciences and Education Assemblage Head Robs Briones also spotlighted the role of academic institutions in resisting state-imposed limitations on political expression, such as the red-tagging of students and organizations.
“I’m not saying na they are the only institutions on the frontline, but I believe they are part of it. They are on the frontline of safeguarding our constitutional rights and democratic rights,” Briones said.
Moving forward, he stressed the need for the youth to be critical and to strengthen their political engagement.
“Dapat ang ginagawa natin, maging mapanuri ang sambayanan. Paigtingin ang civic organizations, dapat palakasin natin sila because they also engage in a lot of exercises wherein they defend people who cannot defend themselves. Sa bandang huli, dapat wala tayong pinapanigan na politiko, dapat polisiya ang pinapanigan natin.”
Briones added that the focus of political engagement should not be on elite power struggles from perpetuating political dynasties but on the needs of the masses.
“Ang pagtuonan natin ng pansin ay ang adbokasiya para sa masa, yung kinakailangan, yung meron silang maihapag sa hapagkainan, yung sapat na trabaho, mabuting pinuno, mababang presyo ng mga bilihin, at kung ano pang mga kailangan ng masa,” Briones stated.
The event was organized by the COA-D Social Sciences and Education Assemblage and the SAMAHAN Political Affairs and Engagements Department (SPAED) under Bagong Pulitika’s series of activities.
PiliPINAS: Buhayin ang Demokrasya took place last March 3 in the 8F Media Room CCFC Building, Ateneo de Davao University.