Mayor Benjamin Magalong stressed on the importance of the youth’s participation in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Oct. 30.
“Your vote matters. Collectively, your votes can bring about the change you seek. It is not just a privilege; it is a duty – one that will determine the course of our local governance for years to come,” the mayor told the youth participants to the forum and workshop, “Gen Z Votes: Inspiring Change Through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections” last Sept. 4.
The activity was organized by the Ateneo School of Go-vernment, through a non-partisan, pro-democracy coalition to increase awareness and encourage greater participation in the upcoming BSKE.
The mayor said that to select the best leaders, the Gen Z or the generation of people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s as defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary must do their homework.
“Research the candidates and understand their platforms, attend debates and forums, ask questions, and engage in discussions before they vote for their respective leaders.”
The mayor also underscored the youth’s increasing role in shaping today’s society.
“By participating in these elections, you are not merely casting your ballots, you are becoming active agents of change. You are the architects of the future you wish to see, the ones who will ensure that our neighborhoods are safe, that our environment is protected and that our voices are heard.
“Your generation is known for its innovation, its global perspective and its commitment to justice and equality. You are more connected than any generation before you, with information at your fingertips. You have the power to bring fresh ideas to the table and to challenge the status quo when it no longer serves the greater good.” – Mileyvonne Tiamzon and Aileen Refuerzo
