Youth Alliance Launched in Panay for Fair Elections

By Juliane Judilla

In a united effort to ensure the safety and fairness of the 2025 midterm elections, the youth electoral alliance Kabataan Tayo ang Pag-asa (KTAP) was officially launched on Saturday, February 8, in Iloilo City.

Organized as part of the Panay leg of the nationwide KTAP network, the event brought together various youth groups dedicated to upholding democracy and good governance.

Led by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Panay Chapter and the Western Visayas Youth Students Alliance (WVYSA), the launch gathered school and community-based youth organizations, university student councils, ecumenical youth ministries, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials. The event served as a platform for youth leaders to commit to fostering responsible and informed voters ahead of the elections.

CEGP Panay addressed the challenges facing the nation under the Marcos-Duterte administration and underscored the importance of collective youth action to advocate for voters’ education and good governance.

“Despite these challenges, hope springs eternal. The youth is ready to heed the call of the times. Inflamed with love for the country and the people, we accept the challenge to fulfill our role as ‘pag-asa ng bayan,’” CEGP Panay stated.

“In the realization of the future that we want, we unite to raise awareness of the social realities of the communities, harness our collective aspirations, and enjoin other young people toward genuine social change,” they added.

Attorney Josiah Quising of the National Union of People’s Lawyers – National Capital Region (NUPL-NCR) led a crucial discussion on electoral laws, providing insights into the party-list system, Congress’ structure, candidate eligibility requirements, and voter rights.

“Choose a candidate that will also and will always choose you,” Quising advised during his speech.

WVYSA’s Arlie Bosque emphasized the youth’s vital role in shaping the elections and presented the KTAP 8-point youth agenda, a policy framework addressing the needs and aspirations of young Filipinos. The agenda promotes youth participation in politics, education, and social welfare.

KTAP, established in 2015, remains the only youth-led campaign movement for new politics. As the nation prepares for the 2025 midterm elections, KTAP aims to build a strong and unified network of youth organizations to safeguard electoral integrity.

Through continued voter education, fair election practices, and active engagement, KTAP is set to empower young Filipinos and ensure the 2025 elections reflect the true will of the people.