Student Democracy and Participation
How Student Democracy Shapes Leadership and Voter Engagement
What is a youth vote and why is it important? Why should student democracy matter? What role do students play in effecting change? In Episode 9 of Fed Talk at the PILG, “Student Democracy and Participation in Election 2025,” Philippine Institute for Student Democracy (PISD) Executive Director Isaiah Crisanto, a youth leader and advocate for student empowerment, discusses with FedTalk host Atty. Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana the crucial role of student democracy and youth participation, especially in the context of the upcoming Election 2025. He highlights that although there is no unified “block youth vote,” the youth vote embodies a hopeful, forward-looking attitude that reflects the spirit and idealism of young people despite challenges like apathy.
This conversation is timely, as voter education and youth engagement in elections have become pressing concerns. By engaging young voters early and meaningfully, the country can cultivate more informed and active participants in the democratic process. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in fostering democratic spaces within educational institutions and in the communities. Isaiah stresses that student democracy is crucial for cultivating leadership skills, amplifying student voices, and preparing young voters for active citizenship.
Three main concerns amongst those Isaiah raised during the talk include: (a) reaching youth spread across the Philippine islands, especially since many students study outside their home barangays; (b) the need for more democratic and accessible student and local government structures, with issues like difficulties getting permission to attend SK meetings and voter registration problems; and (c) balancing schoolwork with leadership roles, which can be demanding for students.
A perceived problem highlighted during the talk is youth apathy and disconnection from the electoral process. Many young voters feel unrepresented, given the dominance of older politicians, political dynasties, and celebrity candidates. In addition, the lack of comprehensive civic education leaves many students unsure about government roles or the stakes of elections.
Several solutions were discussed to address these challenges. Firstly, fostering student democracy through inclusive governance models that encourage participation can broaden youth engagement. Encouraging youth involvement in local elections, such as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), offers accessible opportunities for leadership and impact. Expanding media and information literacy (MIL) education from the elementary level onward is essential to combat misinformation and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, promoting peer learning within student communities, supporting student publications with fact-checking roles, and conducting interactive voter education workshops can empower young voters by giving them practical experience and confidence.
“Democracy is in our hands. It is our choice to […] to choose what kind of democracy we will have tomorrow and being the youth, it is our future that we're inheriting.”
- Isaiah Crisanto, Executive Director, Philippine Institute for Student Democracy
Isaiah noted that student participation works best when schools use new ways to include everyone, like mixing in-person meetings with other forms of engagement. He said strong student groups are important because they help change university rules and make the school fairer for everyone. He also pointed out that when students practice democracy at school, it helps them become better and more informed voters as they take part in wider society.
This discussion is substantially helpful for students and new voters alike, as it not only motivates active involvement but also equips them with a deeper understanding of democracy's practical functions. By learning from leaders like Isaiah Crisanto, young citizens gain the confidence and tools to engage meaningfully in elections and community decision-making processes.
Overall, this conversation reveals that empowering youth through sustainable student democracy practices not only cultivates leadership skills but lays the foundation for a more informed and engaged electorate. Moving forward, continuous civic education starting early in schooling, combined with innovative participation platforms, can enable young people to grow their democratic competencies over time, preparing them to vote responsibly and participate actively in governance.
“Democracy not built on facts cannot stand. Democracy, at its core, has to be a shared reality.”
- Isaiah Crisanto, Executive Director, Philippine Institute for Student Democracy
The PISD is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-partisan research institute that promotes student democracy and empowerment in the Philippines. Its functions include conducting research on student and youth participation in democracy, providing education on democratic values, and advocating for active student involvement in governance and society. Through these efforts, PISD seeks to strengthen the role of the youth in Philippine democracy and social development by combining research, education, and advocacy to foster informed and participatory citizens.
Part of the Fed Talk series of videos, this episode was produced by the Pimentel Institute for Leadership and Governance with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation as part of the partnership between PILG and HSF on the program, “Increasing Public Awareness on Federalism and Decentralisation.” A subsequent episode will focus on voter education.