BAGUIO CITY – Cordillera youth were urged to vote and not be dismayed by the ‘unchanging’ society after every election.
In a forum conducted in UP Baguio on Thursday, the youth were urged to choose for a candidate who has the track record who can respond to social concerns.
Glenda Gloria, a veteran journalist who covered the previous presidential elections, noted the upcoming May 2016 presidential elections is the toughest since 1998 because of the different ‘telenovelas’ of the candidates as seen in their political ads.
She further noted the social media affects the competition since it allows viewers to engage through comments. “This is the first social media-driven national elections. Facebook should be a gateway for you to become a better citizen,” she asserted.
The veteran journalist also underscored the youth closely affects the political climate since they compose nearly 20% of the voting population. “Six years can be a lifetime,” she noted.
Gloria encouraged the youth to focus on platforms of the candidates on corruption, climate change, social inequality, peace in Mindanao, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), and foreign policies. “Ask yourself what kind of leaders will move the society forward and not backward,” she added.
Gloria laid some criteria to help the young voters. Leaders should not see the world as ‘black and white’ because the world is complicated. They must not resort to short term goals but to sustainable answers. Leaders should not be intimidated by technology and does not reject dissent. Finally, the candidate does not view the presidency as a reward.
The forum was participated in by students from Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), Benguet State University (BSU), and University of the Cordilleras (UC).
By Peter Dalocdoc
