Coalition of 700-strong Youth Organizations Launched for 2022 Elections
One year before the Philippine elections, more than 700-strong youth organizations convened to launch a nationwide coalition called Kabilang Ka Sa 2022—an inclusive, issue-based, and sustained campaign for and by Filipino youth for the upcoming national and local elections.
Spearheaded by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed PH), #KabilangKaSa2022: A Voter Empowerment Celebration was launched online and hosted by representatives of coalition partners Macoy Dubs and Mela Habijan of We The Youth Vote, Chard Amazona of Youth Vote Philippines, Nicole Florendo of the Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, and Nabila Mohammad of the United Voices for Peace Network.
The launching event also featured guests such as Emil Tapnio and Atty. Mildred Ople of YouthLed PH, Atty. Ona Caritos of Lente Philippines, Ria Atayde, Kean Cipriano, Miggy Cruz, and Laureen Uy; with performances and messages of support from Kerwin King, Renz Saavedra, and Janina Vela
Atty. Mildred Ople, Kabilang Ka Sa 2022 Spokesperson and Program Officer of YouthLed PH acknowledged that in the 2019 elections, the young voters only contributed almost 38% of the voter turnout. “Hinihikayat natin ang mga kabataan na sabayan ang mga nakatatandang ‘suki’ ng eleksyon, kasama ang 700+ na youth organizations na bumoto sa 2022 elections.” She further encourages young Filipinos to be “superspreaders” of correct information on voters’ registration, voters’ education, and transparency in governance.
The coalition launch centered on discussions as to why youth participation is important in the 2022 elections; how the youth can respond to apprehensions about being apolitical, and how to combat fear of the pandemic and doubts on the integrity of the elections.
Through a recorded video message, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Director and Spokesperson James Jimenez reminded youth voters to continue engaging in discussions. “Makiisa ka sa mga isyung hinaharap ng bansa natin. Kapag tayo ang nakilahok sa diskusyon, nabubuo ang ating opinyon.” He adds, “Kilatisin mo na ang mga tatakbo, pag-aralan mo na ang posisyon at plataporma nila. Share what you know.”
In a panel discussion, influencers/artists also discussed how the Filipino Gen Z at Millennials can vote wisely and responsibly. Laureen Uy highlighted. “Elections belong to the people. The more that you know about your candidate the more you can inspire other people to vote.” Ria Atayde added that our role as voters does not end after elections—“It is also our responsibility to keep our leaders accountable.” Kean Cipriano also emphasized that “good governance is a lifetime commitment to taxpayers. It’s important to look at the output.”
Representatives of the Kabilang Ka Sa 2022 coalition also pledged their commitment to support the nationwide campaign to increase voters’ registration turnout, conduct and localize voters’ education program, and mobilize for an inclusive and safe election.
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#KabilangKaSa2022 is a nationwide call to action and a campaign for and led by the youth for the 2022 National and Local Elections. It is centered on a three-point agenda:
- Kasama Ka - Bilang isang Kabataang Pilipino, Kasama Ka upang palakasin ang kamalayan sa kahalagahan ng pagpaparehistro at pagboto (Accessible Registration and Voting for every citizen)
- Kabahagi Ka - Kabahagi Ka sa pananaliksik at pagbibigay linaw sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng ating bansa (Voters Education and Issue-based Agenda)
- Kaisa Ka - Kaisa ka sa pagpapatibay sa isang maayos, makabago, at maka-Pilipinong pamamahala (Good Governance and Civic Education)
This youth-led coalition aims to register at least 1-million first time voters, launch a nationwide voters registration campaign by amplifying COMELEC's i-Rehistro portal use to facilitate accessible and faster registration of voters, organize and implement together with the coalition partners a unified and issue-based voters education program, and sustain the gains of campaigns post-election for good governance and civic education engagement.
Kabilang Ka Sa 2022 believes in the spirit of bayanihan and welcomes all youth organizations nationwide regardless of background, status, political affiliation, geographical location, member composition, and social status. For organizations who are interested to be part of this coalition, register through: bit.ly/KabilangKaSa2022.
Full list of member organizations will be posted on YouthLed PH’s website and social media accounts.
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YouthLed Launches First Youth Fellowship Program for Democracy in the Philippines
Mandaluyong City, Philippines—The Asia Foundation is announcing an open call for applications for its new Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)’s 2021 Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Fellowship. The LEAD Fellowship is the first-of-its-kind program in the Philippines empowering Filipino youth leaders to be champions of democratic values, participatory governance, and civic engagement. Applications will be accepted from February 1-28 with selections announced at the end of April on www.youthled.org.ph.
“The LEAD Fellowship was developed to support young Filipinos in creating a positive impact in their communities. The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), along with several organizations, institutions, and experts have come together to inaugurate this unique fellowship program centered on empowering youth for civic participation and democratic governance,” said Sam Chittick, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in the Philippines.
The 2021 LEAD Fellowship aims to support informed, engaged, and empowered YouthLed leaders in their ability to navigate, engage, and optimize platforms for democratic governance through issue-based campaigns and development programs.
For the inaugural 2021 cohort, The Asia Foundation will select 30 emerging youth leaders ages 18-30 from diverse backgrounds nationwide. The LEAD Fellows will undergo a series of leadership and skills development activities, real-world application of trainings, and network-building engagements spread out from May 2021–March 2023.
Over the two years, the LEAD Fellows will have opportunities to access grants and funding for their respective organizations, participate in tailored-fit development trainings, establish their own agencies as youth leaders, join a network of mentors, and be recognized as a member of the YouthLed network of young leaders in the Philippines.
They will also have access to full scholarships for training programs with prestigious institutions including, Asian Institute of Management’s (AIM)’s Future Bridging Leadership Program, Ateneo School of Governments (ASOG)’s Executive Education Courses, and Ayala Foundation Inc.’s (AFI)’s Servant Leadership Program. Selected YouthLed Young Leaders will also undergo mentorship activities with Makati Business Club (MBC) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Interested candidates can submit completed applications before February 28 with the following requirements:
- Completed LEAD Fellowship application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Project Proposal
- Budget Proposal of proposed project
- Two (2) endorsement letters from an employer, teacher, dean/school principal/university president, verifiable mentor, etc. (Note: endorsement letters should not come from a candidate’s family member or relative)
YouthLed believes in providing equal opportunities regardless of one’s background, geographical origin, gender, belief system, and social status. The LEAD Fellowship also encourages individuals from the PWD, indigenous peoples, and LGBTQI+ communities to apply.
Candidates will undergo two stages of application review including the blind review and panel interview. Results will be announced by the end of April.
For more details about the LEAD Fellowship, visit www.youthled.org.ph or e-mail the secretariat at youthledph@asiafoundation.org.
YouthLed (Youth Leadership for Democracy) is a five-year program implemented by The Asia Foundation in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
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