Posting in social media is good but the country needs your vote.
This was the message of House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Karlo “Ang Probinsyano” Nograles, who on Sunday urged unregistered young voters to register for the 2019 national and local elections.
The legislator from Davao reminded the public that the continuing registration of voters would be ongoing for one more week, and would end on Saturday, September 29.
“Social media is a great way to make their voices heard, but I believe the youth would make an even greater impact if they make their voices heard through the ballot.”
“Based on what I see on social media, it is clear that many of our youth have strong opinions on everything, including what is happening in our country. They are not shy about letting everyone know if they do not like a certain government policy, or if they approve of a new government initiative, like free college tuition in our SUCs,” said Nograles, who was one of the principal authors of Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
“Social media is a great way to make their voices heard, but I believe the youth would make an even greater impact if they make their voices heard through the ballot––and to be able to do this they have to go out and register,” added the solon from Mindanao.
Nograles reminded unregistered Filipinos aged 18 and above that they can register at the Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) of the city, district, or municipality where they reside, from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The most influential figures in our country’s history have one thing in common: all of them were young.”
The 42 year-old-lawyer added that the Filipino youth “should not underestimate their ability to influence the direction of our country, something they can do with their vote.”
“The most influential figures in our country’s history have one thing in common: all of them were young. For example, Gregorio Del Pilar, or Goyo, was only 22 years old when he gave his life for our country on Tirad Pass,” referring to the national hero that was recently the subject of a popular movie.
“Andres Bonifacio was 29 years old when he founded the Katipunan, while Jose Rizal was 26 when Noli Me Tangere was published. What history teaches us is this: ang kabataan talaga ang nangungna sa pagsusulong ng pagbabago. Wala silang takot, they push forward regardless of the odds or the risks,” explained Nograles.
“Basta may dapat ipaglalaban, walang takot na lumalaban. I believe the country needs our youth now, more than ever. And the youth can really make a difference by registering to vote and by voting and campaigning for the people they believe can bring positive change to this country.”
