An independent movement is reshaping the election frontlines, while engaging the nation’s most crucial voters: the youth.

 

Having first voted in the 1998 national elections as an 18-year-old, I remember going through the experience with apprehension. I was on shaky ground, having registered months before, and voted on the actual day with scant guidance.

 

Back then, I recall, I myself had to dig up vital information on schedules, deadlines and requirements for voter registration. The actual voting experience was another story. So now with great envy, I see all the pampering the youth get nowadays in this regard. I say they are one lucky bunch.

 

A leadership summit and a rock concert—while these two efforts coming together may have been totally unheard of in 1998, they are the norm today.

 

The Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership and the Ateneo School of Government, with the office of Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, has launched events meant to appeal to youth voters, aged 18 and above, leading to the May 2013 polls.

 

Rock music for a cause

 

The latest in their string of efforts was held last Sept. 28, a voters’ education concert titled “R-18: Kaya Natin Kung Kakayanin Mo Rin” at the Amoranto Theater in Quezon City. It was attended by Kaya Natin! convenor Harvey Keh, Kaya Natin! champion Rep. Bolet Banal of the 3rd District of Quezon City and former San Isidro mayor Sonia Lorenzo, and Commission on Elections Commissioner James Jimenez, who oriented the audience on the importance of voting, and the process and scheduling of registration.

 

Hosted by Von Carlo Yacob and Chiara Karenina Manuel, the event featured  performances by some of the country’s hottest upcoming acts, namely Circa, Peryodiko, Flying Ipis, Join the Club and Never the Strangers, as well as rock favorite  6cyclemind.

 

Student leaders get counted

Among the concert’s audience were six student leaders with strong convictions and views on the cause.

 

Moises Albiento

 

BA Social Sciences Sociology and

Anthropology,  Ateneo de Manila University

 

“An ideal leader is difficult to define, honestly,” Albiento confesses. “But I guess it starts with honesty—someone who has a sense of direction.” Like many other concerned Filipinos, he sees the RH bill and sin tax bill as two of the most pressing issues in the country today. Involved with Kaya Natin! just this year through its July leadership summit, Albiento credits technology as the most powerful platform for the voice of the youth.

 

“Everything’s accessible now, so we can fairly assess the qualities we need from our next leaders,” he shares. “For me, we can only hope for the best—as the cliché goes, ‘Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.’”

 

Rodelle Lavarias

 

BS Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Manila

 

“One does not have the right to complain if he or she does not vote in the first place.”  Lavarias laments the youth’s waning participation in the elections. Having been active in encouraging other youngsters to register and vote, he believes sincerity is the primary quality prospective leaders must have. The Freedom of Information bill remains the most crucial issue today, he believes.

 

Former Isabela governor Grace Padaca and former Pampanga governor Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio remain his inspirations, for their power to change the game despite their challenging situations. The future still looks bright: “Kaya pa rin natin—as long as we continue to believe in our country,” he says.

 

Mark Earl Angelo Antonio

 

BS Accountancy, Malayan Colleges Laguna

 

After just weeks as a Kaya Natin! supporter, Antonio already feels the tremendous responsibility. “As a student leader, I’ve always seen the value of positive thinking. Discipline and responsibility are two vital qualities one must have to lead,” he says. An advocate of education, Antonio believes it should be the top priority of the next batch of leaders. When asked if he still believes the country will progress, he was positive: “Yes, of course. Kaya natin.”

 

Joanna Armenta

 

AB Mass Communication, Minor in Development Communication, St. Scholastica’s

College-Manila

 

A communications student working for solid government support for disaster preparedness may seem unconventional. But for the 18-year-old, it is only through Christ-centered leaders who are flexible and approachable that this issue may be properly addressed. As a first-time voter next year, Armenta joined Kaya Natin! with high hopes of rallying her fellow youth to vote. Greatly inspired by good governance and ethical leadership, she sees the movement and her communication goals as  perfect fit. About the country’s future, she does not worry one bit. “Filipinos are hardworking. They just need the push,” she observes.

 

Maria Alyssa Ochoa

 

BS Psychology, Major in Guidance and Counseling, St. Paul University-Manila

 

Referencing the Latin phrase Vox Populi Vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God), Ochoa cites the importance of exercising the right to vote. For her, the next set of leaders must rely more on action than words. The clamor for supporting education is there, and Ochoa is no stranger to this cause. Her inspiration is lawyer Kaka Bag-ao, who educated Sumilao’s farmers by walking alongside them and restoring their faith in the government. As a student leader, she believes: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

 

Chessamika Jane Gatdula

 

BS Secretary Education, Major in English, St. Paul University-Manila

 

As a teacher-to-be, Gatdula sees education as top priority. She believes it is the most crucial platform leaders must look into, although it is nothing new to Filipinos.

 

Still, the “education for all” policy now seems too foreign and forgotten. Therefore, she has these criteria for future leaders: “They need to be open and transparent, first and foremost, and everything will follow.”

 

Her genuine goal of helping her countrymen is greatly aligned with the advocacies of Mae Paner, popularly known as Juana Change. “With her satirical approach, she is changing the game.” She hopes to exemplify just that kind of bravery.

 

The last day for voter registration is Oct. 31,  in all Comelec offices.