What is the role of the youth in the elections? How can we empower them in choosing the leaders the country deserves?

With the pandemic posing challenges to people’s access to voter registration, more Filipinos should be encouraged to find ways to participate in the 2022 Philippine elections and vote for good leaders who can help solve the country’s problems.

Rappler’s civic engagement arm MovePH and Holy Angel University’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Program will lead a regional conference on Friday, April 16, to discuss how youth voters can become game changers and pioneers of collective action during the elections. The event is also in collaboration with the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation (D&D).

The “In One Boat: How your vote matters” conference aims to help Central Luzon youth understand how their vote and participation in the upcoming elections matter in pandemic-hit Philippines.

This is especially important as more lies, propaganda, and suspicious claims are expected to surface online as the country gears up for elections in the middle of a pandemic.

Youth in Central Luzon also play a big role in the elections as the region is considered as one of the most vote-rich regions, along with National Capital Region and Calabarzon, according to data collected by the Commission on Elections in 2019.

Confirmed speakers at the conference include Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez,  Rappler’s Public Trust Agenda, Investigations & Research editor Miriam Grace Go, and D&D’s Lucas Gantioqui.

To secure a slot, register here using a Google Chrome browser. Registration to the event will be until 5 pm, Thursday, April 15.

– Rappler.com