Beyond the Vote: Breaking Cycle

Every upcoming election brings a mix of anticipation, hope, and uncertainty. As political campaigns unfold and debates intensify, familiar faces return while new ones emerge. I can’t help but wonder—will anything change this year, or are we gonna witness history repeats itself again?

I was once a young, first-time voter—naïve and unfamiliar with the complexities of politics. I even remember relying on someone else’s choices, unsure of how to decide for myself. But over time, I realized that my uncertainty wasn’t just about age it was about awareness and understanding. This made me see the true importance of young people actively engaging in elections and making informed choices for the future.

Majority of the voters will be the youth, which means a considerable outcome of the elections could or could be determined by this group’s voter turnout.

“We have the authority to vote ug importante na mohatag ug participation as a Filipino Citizen” according to Jay Lawrence Managaron, student and his second tome to vote for this upcoming election.

In every election, young voters are often referred to as the “sleeping giant”, a massive, influential group whose participation could redefine the political landscape. I believe young people have always been at the heart of change. But encouraging young people to participate in elections is a challenge because it requires more than just reminding them of their civic duties; it also demands engagement, education, and empowerment.

According to YouthLead PH the Philippine government and various organizations have launched initiatives like the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), voter registration campaigns, and the YouthLed program to encourage youth participation in elections and governance, empowering them to be informed and active citizens.

“It is the responsibility of young voters to vote wisely and also to be responsible voters and dili magpadala sa temptasyon like money. And also voting is a voice for us. And naa sa atuang mga kamot ang future sa Pilipinas”, 18 years old young voter Sofia Ericka Manila said in an interview.

Filipino youth can make a difference in the upcoming election by educating themselves, voting wisely, fighting misinformation, spreading awareness, joining advocacy efforts, and holding leaders accountable to prevent past mistakes and drive real change for a better future.

“No one is born a good citizen, no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth severs its lifeline, it is condemned to bleed to death,” according to Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the UN.

Every election may seem the same, but our choices have the power to make a difference. The power to break the cycle of repeating history lies in our hands—especially in the hands of young voters. Change doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when we make informed choices, and actively participate in shaping our future. May this be the moment that awakens the young generation. (Mary Lyn Gapio | HCDC Intern)