By 1Sambayan
ZOOM - Students from the rival La Salle and Ateneo schools, together with representatives from 1Sambayan have joined forces in an effort to mobilize the youth sector in the upcoming 2022 national elections.
The group is set to hold a debut event on the 25th of August with the aim of having a public conversation on creating a collaborative space that will help jumpstart democratic initiatives and programs for the youth sector with some of the opposition’s key figures.
In support of the initiative, 1Sambayan Chair and Former SC Justice Antonio Carpio recounted the country’s plight under the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn, expressing how the youth can determine the election results.
“This is a very important election. We have this pandemic, the West Philippine Sea issue, and the worst economic performance since World War II. All of this will be decided on May 9” said Carpio. "We, the old folks will be leaving soon, all we want is to pass this [the country] to the youth the best way we can.”
1Sambayan Youth Convenor Raeyan Reposar reiterated the urgency of the national polls by encouraging young Filipinos to register, vote, and participate actively in the elections.
“This is the first of many mobilizations from the youth sector,” said Reposar. “The alliance we’ve forged today between the green and blue is committed to expanding to other schools all over the country.”
Ateneans for 1Sambayan Spokesperson Paula Alexis Ando explained that this initiative will serve as an avenue to raise pertinent issues of governance, acknowledging the privileged status of their schools and the need to use these privileges for the benefit of society.
“Kami ay nagsisimula pa lamang. Ang ating minimithi ay nangangailangan ng pagkakaisa kung saan lahat tayo ay kumikilos nang walang naiiwan.” Ando said.
In addition, 1Sambayan Lasalyano Spokesperson Angelo Lescano emphasized that this is purely student-initiated.
“To be clear, this is for and by the students. This was not initiated by our school administrators, but rather by Lasallians doing their part in nation building, empowering the marginalized, and defending democracy.”
As a call to action, Lescano jokes, “Let’s make ayos the bansa, let’s make laban na!”
With an election described as consequential due to the current COVID-19 global crisis, the group calls on their fellow students to join their collective effort to unite the country and vote for the sake of Philippine democracy.
