“THE YouVote Concert was an innovative way to emphasize ‘ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayan.’ The [event] was an embodiment that raising awareness of civic duties can take on different forms,” lauded Carmel Anne Brasales, regional public relations officer for Visayas of Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Student Network-Visayas, in the recently concluded YouVote virtual presentation.
YouVote, a youth-led endeavor that aims to produce educated voters who will make informed choices in the 2022 national and local elections, kicked off its series of events ahead of the polls next year with a boisterous online concert streamed for free via the official YouVote Facebook page on Aug. 8, 2021, featuring the local artists from Iloilo Champions of Music Network.
“The YouVote Concert was really a refreshing start because it differentiates itself from other types of webinars and voter’s education campaigns. And I hope there is a lot more,” shared Danz Quimba, prime minister of the Central Philippine University Republic.
With the monumental endeavor, the Global Shapers Community Iloilo Hub officially launched its YouVote project, a voter’s registration and education campaign in Iloilo geared towards inspiring responsible citizenship, especially among the Ilonggo youth.
“I would like to thank YouVote for choosing us to perform, showcase our talent, and show what true Ilonggo artists are capable of. Padayon lang kita sa aton musika kag sa pagpabati sang tingog nga maipabugal sang aton probinsya,” said Paula Grace Cadic, singer/member of Iloilo Champions of Music Network.
Despite the challenges of the hard lockdown, the YouVote Concert live stream reached more than 500 shares, 500 live reactions, 15,000 views, and upwards of 50,000 in organic reach on Facebook. The impressive production was made possible through the collaboration of YouVote and its partners, co-presented by Panay News, Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc., Iloilo Champions of Music Network, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Iloilo City, RMN Iloilo, and PHINMA University of Iloilo, together with Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon, We The Youth Vote PH, and more than 50 other national and local partner organizations.
“The University of San Agustin Student Government commends the YouVote Concert for utilizing art as a means to depict the situation of the society, its problems and ideals and to promote voter’s education and registration,” praised Adelmar Javier Jr., president of University of San Agustin Student Government.
Aside from the performances, prominent guests also expressed their support, including Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Rowena Guanzon; COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez; National Youth Commission chairperson Ryan Enriquez; Commission on Human Rights director for Human Rights Education and Promotion Office Atty. Francis Tom Temprosa; and COMELEC Iloilo City election officer, Atty. Reinier Layson. Also among the guests were Samantha Bernardo, Miss Grand International’s 1st runner-up, and Karen Mendoza, Binibining Pilipinas- Iloilo.
“YouVote Concert gave the virtual audiences a chance not only to make themselves entertained but also an opportunity to realize that their votes are important,” according to Vyenge Erre Gayosa, social media relations officer of Partido Sang Mainuswagon Nga Bumulutho of the University of the Philippines Visayas.
The backstage exclusive featured live interviews with DAKILA advocate Atty. Pochoy Labog; LENTE Philippines Executive director Atty. Ona Caritos; Borres Youth Leadership Institute founder Atty. Mark Borres, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations Youth Advocates Network founder Mirus Ponon. The program was hosted by Jasper Vijar, Anjelou Estrella, Allen Guillen, and Richlyn Villalobos.
“The YouVote concert was a great experience, with different talents performing for a shared advocacy, and a wake-up call for us to rise to the occasion and exercise our right to vote,” added J Dominic Santiago, junior master Asclepian, vice president for External Affairs, Order of Asclepius from West Visayas State University.
As various youth organizations shared their commitment to continue shaping Iloilo with YouVote, singer and composer Noel Cabangon concluded the concert with his song, Gising Kabataan.
“May we all remember how the pandemic made us realize that every aspect of our lives is affected by what the government chooses to do or not to do. Registering to vote in the 2022 elections is not merely an exercise of a right but to treat it as if our life depends on it. May we never get tired doing this because our collaborative efforts today will save lives and definitely shape our future,” said John Michael Suelo, project lead and founder of YouVote.
With the success of the launch, YouVote is set to roll its upcoming activities, including the Open Mic Night to pilot on Aug. 29, a TikTok Challenge, Short Film-Making Competition, Online Busking, Dance Challenge, Satellite Registrations, Conversation Starters, Webinar Series, Voter’s Education Training, and a lot of activities to engage the youth in the electoral process.
“Let us support the future projects and initiatives of Global Shapers Iloilo in YouVote as we pursue a more empowered and informed Filipino Youth,” said Councilor Leila Luntao, SK Federation president of Iloilo City./PN
