The youth of Baguio and Benguet recognize their vital role in shaping the nation’s future, committing to integrity, accountability, and active participation in the democratic process. They pledge to educate themselves and others, exercise their right to vote, promote honest and responsible voting, encourage civic engagement, and lead by example.
Reaffirming these commitments, young leaders recently gathered at the BENECO Compound, South Drive, Baguio City, for the “Empowering Youth Voters: Strengthening Civic Responsibility for a Character City Baguio” summit. This aligns with the Character City Program, which emphasizes trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship—core values for ethical leadership and responsible governance.
Guest Speaker Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto stressed the importance of informed decision-making and civic participation. “Wherever we are today, let’s start with the most basic. We start by being informed. Second, start to make our voices heard—whether on social media or indirectly through voting wisely. Next, by participating—attending your barangay assembly, joining a volunteer organization, advocating for change—and then eventually, as we come together, magugulat na lang tayo, ibang-iba na ang Pilipinas. I know that you are in the right direction, your heart is in the right place. Let’s continue to work together, let’s continue to simply do what we can—enter every open door, seize every opportunity that is before us.”
Civic engagement goes beyond voting. It requires continuous learning, critical evaluation of leaders, and active involvement in governance. North Sanitary Camp SK Chairman Jessver Castañeda emphasized this responsibility: “Bilang mga kabataan, pinili nating maging mas empowered—hindi lang para sa ating sarili kundi para makatulong din sa iba pang kabataan. Mas mainam na mas marami tayong naeengganyang maging mas malakas at may boses, hindi lang sa ating barangay o komunidad kundi pati sa iba’t ibang lugar. Sabi nga nila, napakahalaga ng ating boto dahil tayo, bilang kabataan, ay may responsibilidad na suriin kung sino ang tunay na karapat-dapat na mamuno sa atin. Tulad ng sinabi ni Dr. Jose Rizal, ‘Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan’—kaya dapat nating yakapin ito bilang isang pagkakataon upang mas mapakinggan at mapahalagahan ang ating tinig.”
By staying informed, engaging in discussions, and making responsible decisions, the youth contribute to a more transparent and just society. As student Alex Checchecan shared, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa summit na ‘to dahil nainvite ako. It is a big opportunity for me to stabilize my knowledge not only in school but also in the government, even beyond my outside-the-box perspective. It opens my ideas and curiosity in other sectors and politics. This is my stepping stone to contribute also to my own barangay.”
Integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility are essential to a strong democracy. By embracing these values, the youth strengthen their role as active citizens working for national progress. By Annjay Domilies
