ISUFST Empowers Youth Voters Through Election Forum

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BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – With the 2025 Philippine midterm elections approaching, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology reaffirmed its commitment to civic education through a hybrid Electoral Empowerment Forum held April 11 at the University Conference Room, Main Campus–Tiwi site.

Organized by the University Student Council in partnership with the Public Affairs, Marketing and Media Communications Office, Main-Tiwi Library and SAMAHAN—the university’s premier socio-political student group—the forum gathered student leaders, campus journalists and youth advocates from across ISUFST campuses.

The event was streamed live via Zoom and will be aired on Facebook to expand its reach.

With the theme “Get Real for Democracy: A Youth Empowerment Forum,” the event was part of “Kawsa Sang Estudyante ang Una!,” a student-led campaign aimed at deepening the youth’s understanding of democratic processes and encouraging responsible, informed voting.

“This is more than just a forum—it’s a chance for us students to be heard and to learn what truly matters as we approach the 2025 midterm elections,” said USC President Rayline Ann Torremillano.

“We hope that this event will inspire students to become responsible and critical voters,” she added.

University leaders who showed support included Dr. Armando S. Katalbas, director of the Student Support Center, and Dr. Joan M. Belga, vice president for academic affairs, who each emphasized the role of education in building an informed citizenry.

In her talk, “Democracy in Motion: Understanding the Philippine Electoral Process,” Hazmick Supresencia, Election Officer III of Barotac Nuevo, stressed the sacredness of the ballot.

“The vote is sacred—it’s a duty and a right,” she said.

“Understanding our electoral process helps us protect it,” she added.

“Young people must see voting not just as a one-day event, but as an act of love for country and responsibility for our shared future.”

In her talk, “Casting the Future: The Role of Youth in Electoral Empowerment,” Aleanne Jessa Moncada, faculty coordinator of the LGU Barotac Nuevo Public Information and Communication Office, called for values-based decision-making during elections.

“Choose leaders based on principles, not personality,” Moncada said.

“Let your vote reflect love of country—not trends or numbers,” she added.

During the open forum, student leader Jessa Dela Cruz asked, “If our vote is our future, why do some still sell it?”

“Isn’t protecting the ballot our strongest tool for real change?”

Speakers emphasized that vote-buying not only undermines personal integrity but endangers communities.

They said real change begins with awareness, courage and choosing leaders based on values—not perks.

Prof. John Niño Crauz, student council adviser and faculty member, addressed political accountability and the misuse of digital platforms.

“Leaders who spread misinformation or exploit social media for political gain betray the public trust,” Crauz said.

“We must hold them accountable both online and offline.”

More questions from onsite and online participants enriched the discussion, grounding the conversation in real-life experiences and concerns.

The program ended with certificate presentations to the speakers and a closing message from Dr. Herman M. Lagon, PAMMCO director.

“Democracy is not just found in ballots—it is built in conversations like this,” Lagon said.

“Being mulat [socially aware] is already an act of resistance.”

“May we carry the courage to participate, the humility to keep learning and the drive to do what is right and just.”

Held with purpose and passion, the Electoral Empowerment Forum affirmed the role student-led initiatives play in nation-building, echoing ISUFST’s values of integrity, discipline, academic excellence and social justice. (Sea Treasure/Herman Lagon/Rayline Ann Torremillano/PAMMCO)