#MoveZambo: Mobilizing the youth for political engagement

MANILA, Philippines – All politics is local, a political saying goes. For the young people of Zamboanga City, so is political change.

More than 300 students, teachers and members of civil society groups in Zamboanga City will converge in Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Campion Lecture Hall on Friday, September 14, to discuss how they can influence the local political process through vigilance, tapping social networking.

Political tension is heating up in Zamboanga City with the entry of a new mayoral aspirant — former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos Jr. who served 13 years in jail after being convicted for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness.

Jalosjos’ eligibility to register as a new voter in Zamboanga City was contested by incumbent House representatives of the city’s two districts who are both eyeing the top local post in 2013.

The Comelec’s Election Registration Board (ERB) denied Jalosjos’ application on August 31, but the convicted candidate is expected to bring the issue to court, local media reported.

Mobilizing for political engagement

Dubbed “Social Media for Social Change Chat Series,” the two-part event will carry the theme, “Mobilizing the Youth for Political Engagement.”

In partnership with Ateneo de Zamboanga, social news network Rappler will gather students, the academe and advocates of good governance as they prepare for the upcoming 2013 local and national elections.

In the morning, speakers from the city’s academe and civil society will explore the local political terrain.

Political Science professor Mahmor Edding of the Western Mindanao State University will kick off the discussion by tackling the nature of politics in Zamboanga, including the prevailing political configuration, political behavior, and voters’ profile.

Fr Albert Alejo SJ, assistant to the ADZU president for social development, will present how the agenda of the local elections will be significant for the people of Zamboanga.

ADZU communication department’s Monabelle Blanco-Delgado will discuss the role of the youth as citizen journalists. In the afternoon, speakers from Rappler will further talk about the topic.

Power of social media

Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa leads the afternoon session with the keynote address on the power of social media and how it can bring about social transformation.

Veteran journalist and Rappler’s citizen journalism director Chay Hofileña will also present insights about citizen journalism and the changing face of the profession.

Other members of the Rappler team will likewise share their experiences as multimedia journalists.

Social media head Michael Josh Villanueva will discuss how to use Facebook and other platforms to push socio-political issues.

Multimedia reporter Ayee Macaraig will talk about the challenges of being a multimedia reporter. She will also serve as the moderator for the afternoon session.

Finally, Patricia Evangelista, who is also one of Rappler’s multimedia reporters, will elaborate on why she tells stories.

After the talks, the Rappler team will conduct simultaneous multimedia workshops on how to use social media to push socio-political issues.

The chat series — which were previously held in Baguio, Davao, Manila and Naga — are organized by Move.PH, Rappler’s citizen journalism arm. The Zamboanga leg is being sponsored by Smart Communications.

Participants of Rappler’s Move-Zamboanga event on September 14 may register online. — Rappler.com