#TPOPINION
Only the Young
By Michael Quilala | May 5, 2022
The pandemic highlighted various issues in Philippine society — socioeconomic inequality, a failing healthcare system, and more corrupt public officials. And in less than a month, the most crucial game-changer of this pandemic — the 2022 National Elections — will happen.
At this time of uncertainty, perhaps at no other moment in history, an informed youth’s vote is most vital.
Paulinians from St. Paul University Manila decided to form a movement to influence the public to vote wisely. The official student publication, The Paulinian, bannered the theme: “Tindig Paulino, Tindig Pilipino.” The campaign branding aims to amplify an advocacy among the youth to fight, promote basic human rights, raise awareness, and take a stand as the national elections approach.
On Silencing the Youth
Speaking out as a member of the youth, however, is not as easy as it sounds. The act is often met by backlash.
Terrorism and activism, for instance, while not the same, are often related to each other. It merely takes a Google search to find out the difference. Many authorities, however, treat activists like terrorists, when they themselves are guilty of belittling activists. Many members of the youth, apparently, are not safe from red-tagging every time they speak out against the powerful.
Many of us youth members have often been told that we are the country’s hope, and that we must use our education to create a better society. But now that Gen Zeds are putting it into action by speaking up against unlawful acts, we are condemned. What is even worse? People who are supposed to be trusted and respected by the youth are surprisingly suppressing them. Young people today would post their independent thoughts on social media, only to be met by elders who say, “Hindi mo pa naiintindihan kasi bata ka pa.”
Stigma against activist groups not only abounds in society, but even penetrates homes. Simply speaking up against injustices is often perceived to be tantamount to rebellion, with most vocal members of the youth portrayed as bad guys recruiting students to join a rebellion. Parents would often warn their kids, “H’wag na h’wag kitang makikita sa mga rally na ‘yan,” as if joining a protest inherently meant joining a terrorist recruitment party.
Is it not absurd? This is how the youth is silenced today. And it makes no difference which political party they favor, or whether or not they are affiliated with any. Truth is, young Filipinos, like all other Filipinos, have the same right to independent thought and to voice that opinion in public. And the way we express ourselves has a big influence on others.
A call to be informed
Today, we are at a juncture where people have to decide which among the political contenders is most suited to lead the country. Most of us from the youth are first-time voters, and we should vote intelligently and rely on facts rather than opinions or fake news on TikTok or other social media platforms to reinforce our convictions.
This is most important as historical revisionism abounds today. At one point in history, textbooks and media were used to persuade kids to believe in the Marcoses’ lies. The youth today — being yet unborn at the height of Martial Law — are susceptible to these deceptions coursed through social media. Privileged adults, on the other hand, often disregard facts about injustices at the time as though they were never exposed to the horrors of the Marcos regime. Today is, therefore, an important time to raise awareness of historical truth.
During this election season, thanks to technological advancement, the public now has access to information. At the same time, we are able to fully utilize our abilities as humans to process information. Our critical thinking processes are involved in everything we do: paying attention, deciding, and acting. A simple mouse click or screen tap might readily take us to any information we believe we need to know about our candidates. However, we make the decisions with caution because technology cannot make the decision for us. As a result, when it comes to exercising our right to vote on May 9, the Filipino voter must be far more mentally and socially involved.
Students are part of a generation that grew up with technology, giving us a wide range of platforms through which to express ourselves. Therefore, we must take advantage of this opportunity to engage and make our voices heard. It is evident that young Filipinos are not going to sit quietly whenever they see something that needs to be addressed. Even when they are threatened by something as serious as the anti-terrorism law or something as ridiculous as a “sumbungan ng bayan” Facebook post, giving up is never an option.
It is a good thing that young Filipinos are now able to speak up. It is a sign of a thriving democracy. And as Paulinians, we want always to uphold and practice our social responsibility by adhering to the five core values: Charity, Community, Christ-centeredness, Charism, and Committed to Mission.
The Paulinian youth’s call: Tindig Paulino, Tindig Pilipino. Tumitindig para sa bayan, Tumintig para sa kinabukasan.
References:
Lao, W. (2021, September 29). Activists urge Filipinos to fight back vs efforts to undermine dissent. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/activists-urge-filipinos-fight-back-efforts-undermine-dissent/
Gavilan, J. (2021, December 20). In 2021, activists, human rights defenders fight to survive under Duterte. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/2021-review-activists-human-rights-defenders-fight-to-survive-under-duterte/
International Marxist-Humanist Organization. (2020, May 31). Covid-19 and Social Inequality: How Poor Filipinos Suffer More During Pandemics. IMHO Journal. https://imhojournal.org/articles/covid-19-and-social-inequality-how-poor-filipinos-suffer-more-during-pandemics/
Ramirez, C. (2022, January 16). Forgetting Ferdinand Marcos: The Dangers of Historical Revisionism. MIR. https://www.mironline.ca/forgetting-ferdinand-marcos-the-dangers-of-historical-revisionism/
Subingsubing, K. (2020, September 22). Revisionism, denialism: Academics explain views on Marcos era. INQUIRER.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1338170/revisionism-denialism-academics-explain-views-on-marcos-era
