With guidance from the DILG Olongapo City, the Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan – Olongapo City Chapter led a citywide youth seminar to promote informed and responsible voting ahead of the 2025 national and local elections.
Held on May 5, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, the “Boto ng Kabataan, Kinabukasan ng Bayan: 2025 Voters’ Education Seminar” gathered over 300 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) members from Olongapo City’s 17 barangays. The event aimed to raise awareness of voters’ rights and responsibilities, and to strengthen youth engagement in the democratic process.
The seminar formally opened with an audio-visual presentation featuring the platforms and responses of local Mayoral and Vice Mayoral candidates to pressing issues affecting the city—particularly those relevant to the youth. This segment provided participants with valuable insights into each candidate’s stance on critical matters. Part of the presentation was guided by the question: “Why should we vote for you in the upcoming elections?”
In her opening message, SK Federation Vice President Hon. Angeli Raiza P. Bonilla highlighted the collective power of the youth. “If we come together, we can create something that is truly powerful,” she stated, emphasizing unity for positive change.
DILG Olongapo City Director Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva, Jr., CESE, also delivered an inspiring message to the participants. In his remarks, Director Villanueva emphasized the relevance of the activity in light of the upcoming elections, highlighting the significant role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future. “Boto ng Kabataan, Kinabukasan ng Bayan. Yan’ ang tingin namin sa boto Ninyo. 40% of the votes will come from your sector” he stressed.
The first session, titled “Know Your Vote: Voters’ Rights, Responsibilities, and the 2025 Election Process,” was facilitated by Olongapo City Election Officer Ma. Luisa C. Lumanlan. It was followed by a mini-workshop led by the SK Chairpersons of East Bajac-Bajac, East Tapinac, and Banicain, which focused on familiarizing participants with election-related terms and fostering discussion on their perspectives.
The second session, “Know Your Leaders: Promoting Responsible Voting,” was delivered by Atty. Charmaine Jacqueline Paulino-Evangelista, Legal Officer of DILG Regional Office III. She emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who are truly capable and trustworthy. “The vote that we cast this coming election will determine our future for the next three years. Your vote (participants) is important because it shapes our future,” she reminded. A trivia-based workshop followed, led by the SK Chairpersons of Pag-asa, Gordon Heights, and New Kababae, helping participants reinforce their learning from the session.
In the third session, “Informed and Vigilant Voters: Safeguarding the Truth in the 2025 Elections,” Ms. Arlee Jam A. Medina, Multimedia Arts Program Coordinator of The Manila Times College of Subic, focused on combating misinformation. She stressed the power of fact-checking and critical media consumption. “Sometimes, the smallest things make the greatest impact,” she noted, referring to the ripple effect of even minor misinformation. A mini-workshop on verifying social media content followed, led by SK Chairpersons from Old Cabalan, West Tapinac, and New Kalalake.
SK Federation President Hon. Yzyra Marie E. Hernandez delivered the closing message, urging her fellow youth to vote wisely. “Alam kong marami pang hindi decided sa inyo kung sino ang iboboto, pero sana sa darating na eleksyon, piliin natin ang totoong matino, mahusay, at maaasahang maglilingkod sa atin,” she said. She also committed to organizing more significant initiatives to empower the youth of Olongapo City.
The program concluded with a symbolic commitment setting, where participants wrote their personal pledges on a “Commitment Wall,” affirming their role in shaping the outcomes of the 2025 elections.
The seminar ended with renewed energy and a strengthened resolve among Olongapo City’s youth to become informed, vigilant, and responsible voters—ready to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s democratic future.
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