The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted the Filipino people in every aspect as it took thousands of lives and put our economy in grave distress. The continuous rise in caseloads caused the country and the government to reevaluate laws and protocols while every decision develops the critical thinking of the citizens especially the youth.
Will teenagers to young adults influence who will be the next leader? Will 2022 be the year for the people?
The previous Philippine election look liked a season for the fiesta. Streets are filled with banners and posters, and politicians who sought for position turn into entertainers, singing, dancing, and cracking jokes on the stage to persuade people into supporting them. This is affirmed by the campaign strategist Malou Tiquia in 2019 saying, “most voters go for popularity and personality, often giving the power to celebrities”
But this mindset has changed over the course of the pandemic. The youth are becoming more politically active and their stand is seen to be rock hard. The heavy use of young generations of social media has educated them in topics including current news and political matters.
With the fast dissemination of information online, social media serves as an excellent model for the youth, even those who are ineligible to vote to make their voices be heard, participate in online rallies, and encourage others to do the same.
Political powers of social media like Twitter influence the views and opinions of young voters compared to the preceding generations. A year before the presidential election in 2022, social media remain as a platform where election information is obtained and the youth as the most powerful weapon to bring this nation back up.
Art by Khimber Advincula
Many lives have been at stake since the start of the pandemic and still on the edge of the upcoming election. The massive participation of the youth in fighting for democracy and human rights, in ousting dictators, and ending the humanitarian crisis will bring a drastic change in the country.
During the E-Heras: The Power of Youth Vote webinar last May 3, the National President of the National Union of the Students of the Philippines (NUSP), Jandeil Roperos, confirmed that the number of the youth voters marked a substantial proportion in the voting population. This quantity shows the importance of the youth in altering the face of politics in the Philippines.
The future of the country is in the hands of the new generation of voters. Youths’ awareness and active involvement will bring back the stolen rights of every Filipino. The youth will heavily influence the 2022 election and it will be the year for the people. This country will once again stand strong. Young voters: make your voice louder.
Editorial:
Regel Ferrer
Erika Tizon
Cartoon:
Khimber Advincula
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