DILG cites roles of youth in 2022 polls

By Jemin B. Guillermo

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on the youth to help ensure a credible and safe 2022 elections.

Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya stressed that the youth has an important role in responsible voting, which is a shared task of everyone to have a fair, honest and safe national and local polls.

Malaya was the guest speaker during the virtual conduct of “lnformation Drive on Responsible Voting of the Youth and the 2022 Elections” for the members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and other youth organizations in Western Visayas, April 20.

“We are very glad to have this information drive with the COMELEC since the Department [DILG] expresses commitment to promote peace and order and public safety, the successful conduct of the election, walang bias at kinikilingan as we present the guidelines and conduct to be observed during this electoral process,” he said

He also pointed out that the activity aims to increase public awareness on the voting process as well as guide the youth in choosing the right candidates.

According to him, “the youth are the inheritors of this land, hence, we must imbue the spirit of nationalism and solidarity to the youth across the different sectors so that we may collectively practice our right to vote.”

Malaya noted the valuable role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future as he urged them to continue to be the agent of change in order to build a brighter future for all.

He also enjoined everyone to take part in this electoral process and help ensure the safety of all as well as the integrity, credibility and safety of the elections and our countrymen.

“Your contribution to the nation will be essential for future generations,” he stressed.

Malaya likewise urged the public to utilize the advantages of social media, however, with a sense of responsibility and utmost regard to fact-based information.

On the other hand, DILG 6 Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero stressed their role to inform and educate the citizenry about the roles and responsibilities of local officials during the election period.

Ingeniero also emphasized the role of the media for the public to be more informed of election guidelines during the election period as he noted that digital media, at present, is a powerful tool in raising public awareness.

Discussants during the virtual engagement are representatives from the Commission on Elections 6, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) and from the Legal Division of DILG 6. (PIA)