The Commission on Election (COMELEC) in Lagawe, Ifugao calls for youth voter registration starting July 1-11, 2025 in the municipal hall for the 2025 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
This aims to increase the youth participation in election polls of the next SK leaders set to be elected on December 1, 2025.
In terms of reference, the youth need to submit a valid ID and Birth Certificate as requirement for the voter’s registration. The youth voters must be an eligible Filipino citizen and 15 to 30 years old for the SK elections.
COMELEC Commissioner Socorro B. Inting stated in one of the COMELEC engagements: “Registering to vote is not just a formality but a responsibility that will empower young Filipinos in choosing their own leader who will govern and shape their future.”
In the Philippines, the SK elections is one of the steps for the youth to practice their rights in a democratic process.
Though the elections have not yet started, the COMELEC encourages the youth for their active participation in the upcoming SK elections by becoming a registered voter. This registration is especially called for the first-time voters, particularly those who are turning 15 years old and to those who are not yet registered.
On the other hand, Julie Kimmayong, SK Chairman of Barangay Jucbong in Lagawe, Ifugao, shared an advice for the new voters.
“Kitan da [youth] kuma dyay agitakder kinyada, agguide ken sociable (Youth may choose their leader who can uplift them, guide them, and sociable),” Kimmayong said.
Kimmayong also stated that youth participation is indeed very important because they are the primary beneficiaries of the programs that will be conducted. Some of the cited youth programs include skills enhancement, seminars, sports activities and other community projects, which can provide opportunities for them.
Furthermore, she mentioned several challenges faced by youth participants such as work commitments, familial responsibilities, limited education and isolation, and lack of interest.
However, despite these challenges, the Local Government Unit (LGU) are encouraging the SK officials to inclusively call the youth for calling active and increased participation through disseminating important information via social media posts, posters, and interpersonal communication.// Sherry Enggoy, BSU-DevCom Intern
