Youth Voter Education 2025
Engaging Filipino Youth in Voter Education and Federalism Awareness

How can the youth become active, knowledgeable voters in the 2025 Philippine elections?  This was the central question explored during the seminar, “Kung may Budots may BotTam (Botong Tama)!” Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan Voters’ Education, Federalism and Political System” held on April 5 and 6, 2025, in Antipolo.  In the title, "Kung may Budots may BotTam" is a Filipino phrase that creatively contrasts popular but trivial campaign gimmicks -- like the viral Budots dance -- with the call for “Botong Tama” or the “Right Vote.”  Meanwhile, "Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan" translates to “Youth for the Future,” highlighting the seminar’s focus on empowering young voters to make informed decisions in shaping the country’s future.

One hundred twenty-eight student participants took part in this two-day activity aimed at equipping young Filipinos with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and actively contribute to shaping the country’s political future.  Coming from the National Capital Region, Laguna, Batangas, Bataan, Cebu, Butuan, and Davao, the participants included members of the Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration (JPSPA) and Youth Service Philippines (YSP).

With Filipino youth making up about 20% of the voting population and often being underrepresented or insufficiently organised politically, engaging them ahead of the 2025 Midterm elections is considered vital.  Noting the current political climate marked by popularity-driven candidacies and superficial campaign platforms, the seminar emphasised fostering critical thinking amongst youth voters.  Participants were urged to look beyond fame when choosing candidates and to understand the deeper impact of federalism and political reforms.

“…on the issue of electing public officials, we need to be careful because the future of our country and its succeeding generations depend on it.”

- Edvin Shian Tan from Batangas State University, Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration - Southern Tagalog

Explanatory note: Original quote in Filipino; translated into English for this article.

The seminar featured comprehensive discussions on core topics including Philippine politics and systemic reforms, an overview and in-depth look at federalism and its effects on human rights, and youth empowerment in socio-political affairs. Additional sessions included updates on electoral procedures from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), strategies to address fake news during campaigns, media monitoring of political issues, and effective use of social media for informed participation.  The activity also encouraged active commitment through discussions on youth leadership ideals and a formal election participation oath.

Political Economic, Elemental Researchers and Strategists (PEERS), a collaborating organisation in this initiative, plays an essential role in politically engaging the youth by offering research-based analysis and facilitating informed discussions on political systems, reforms, and electoral behavior in the Philippines.  PEERS bridges the gap between academic insights and youth activism to cultivate a more informed and active generation of young voters.

PILG

The seminar yielded positive results.  Participants reported a deeper understanding of federalism and the political system, recognised the importance of youth responsibility in governance, and expressed eagerness to share these insights within their communities.  One of the youth participants, Edvin Shian Tan from Batangas State University, JPSPA - Southern Tagalog, expressed in Filipino (roughly translated into English):  “[…] On the issue of electing public officials, we need to be careful because the future of our country and its succeeding generations depend on it.”   The event also fostered networking amongst youth leaders and facilitators, promoting continued collaboration for ongoing civic engagement.

Based on the post-activity survey, participants found the seminar insightful and praised the well-organised event, venue, and hospitality.  They expressed interest in more engaging and interactive activities, clearer explanations on federalism, and recommended including even more physical and creative sessions to improve focus, participation, and the overall experience.

This activity was organised by the PILG in collaboration with PEERS and collaborating youth groups, JPSPA and the YSP, with support from the HSF, to further disseminate information on federalism education and youth engagement.  It is part of the PILG-HSF partnership project, “Increasing Public Awareness on Federalism and Decentralisation.”

LINK

Youth Service Philippines' FB-Post:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1110463741107311&set=pcb.1110467754440243