With the 2025 midterm elections just a few months away, students of Cebu Normal University, several of whom are first time voters, engaged with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during a voters awareness forum organized by the school’s College of Public Governance and Safety.

During the event, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia challenged the young voters:

“Ang kinabukasan talaga ay nasa inyong mga kamay. Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga kabataan ng bansa ng pwedeng makaboto ay 24 million. Yung 24 million na yan, kapag nagsama-sama kayong lahat, yan ay napakalakas na boses na magsasabing, ito ang gusto namin sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.”

The students also witnessed a demonstration on how to use the automated counting machine.

Several attendees shared their takeaways from the forum:  

“One person. One vote. One country. The voter awareness forum taught me a lot, but what really struck me were the small things we often overlook on election day like how overshading can actually invalidate a vote. It sounds trivial, but it’s a little detail that could make a huge difference in shaping our country’s future. The forum also highlighted the importance of checking your receipt after voting to confirm accuracy. As election season approaches, I hope we exercise our right to vote thoughtfully, choosing candidates who will positively impact our country and stand by us in times of need. Armed with this knowledge, I’m eager to share these insights with my family and community, empowering them to cast their votes effectively and contribute to a stronger democracy.”

- John Paul Segovia, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Specializing in Broadcast Journalism

“I learned information that I never knew I needed and questions that I never knew I needed the answers. The voter awareness forum enlightened not just my questions on how young adults vote, but also in choosing WHO to vote.

With all the information that I've learned, this will help me navigate my decision for the upcoming 2025 election. Now that I have learned how crucial elections are and how important it is in choosing the right and deserving candidate, this will be a perfect opportunity to disseminate the information to my family. This will help us to make crucial decisions on who to choose and who is the right for the position. Carrying the knowledge and awareness, it would create a great impact to our country.

It is indeed crucial in everything to have an awareness, as I am lucky to be part of the forum, it is my responsibility to vote wisely for the upcoming 2025 election. I was never late to be exposed in such movements that will greatly affect the country, I am also grateful for the university to hold such crucial events that will mold the minds of young voters like us.

As cliche as it may sound, "Prevention is better than cure" always prevails. We can always prevent the unwanted circumstances made by a single vote through disseminating and be knowledgeable, but it is challenging to cure a country with millions of people without awareness that never voted wisely.”

- Ivy Marie Del Rio, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science

“Attending such a forum made me realize the significance of being a well-informed voter of the Republic of the Philippines. With the joint forces of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other organizations in introducing Automated Counting Machine (ACM), I am personally equipped with the right knowledge about voting processes for the upcoming National and Local Elections (NLE) 2025. Through this awareness, it helps me to value the integrity and sanctity of my vote.

Furthermore, with the new ACMs, I think that we already achieved a milestone in administering effective use of high technology in the country, knowing that the ACMs were manufactured from South Korea. I believe that it makes our vote casting easily and instantly since it has a rate of 220 millimeters per second speed.

I also hope that the COMELEC will not limit their mission on providing quality processes during elections even though they've already reached this level.

Given that I am from an island, this voter awareness forum is indeed important to me. I already informed my family there about the new ACMs that will be used for the upcoming NLE. Therefore, conducting such forum is crucial, as it can reach a wide range of audience and enable them to share their gained insights.”

- Atlley Jithro Fong, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science

“The obvious answer would be that it helped us become more aware of how things will go in next year's elections and its process. It made everything much more convenient, especially with the new Automated Counting Machine (ACM), with the words of my father, "Dili na guro kaayo mag hasol-hasol ig halalan." Sure it won't be all smooth-sailing, as do all elections that happens in our country but atleast the COMELEC made everything much more progressive and convenient, not just to ordinary people but also to the marginalized and disadvantaged. I can really say that I am impressed and grateful, especially with some of my family members having sight impairments. The new machine ensures the quality of the process and purity of the votes, two of which are the most significant in elections. Above all, it helps us "boboto ng tama", from the words of our dear SSC president. It's a step from COMELEC that is much appreciated towards a more modernized way of things and towards a better Philippines.

- Hillary Eleccion, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

“I learned many things from the voter awareness forum, but one thing that strikes me the most during the forum is how to vote wisely and correctly especially that we have an upcoming election on 2025. 

As a political science student, our instructors/professors shared their knowledge about the possible tactics that politicians may use to gain votes from the people and we have been oriented so that we won't be easily swayed by these actions. Subsequently, the forum provided a more comprehensive explanation such as "bumoto ng tama," observing the candidates' actions before choosing who to vote, and listening or researching their respective platforms if it's really authentic and not just a medium to procure the approval of the people.

With these learnings that I have obtained, I can also educate my family on how to vote wisely and correctly in the 2025 elections. By doing so, we are more likely to vote for a well-deserve candidate that has the true heart to serve for our nation.”

- Diana Rose Cabizares, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Consolacion, Dalaguete, Cebu

“As a first-time voter for the national elections, the campaign helped me get a glimpse of what's going to happen during the 2025 elections and eased my doubts on the online voting system. The campaign reinforced within the participants the importance of our role as voters and the power we hold as citizens in this democratic country. And for the Halalan 2025, I will vote with Filipino people in mind.”

- Rodrick Methan Paña, Bachelor of Special Needs Education

“I learned how fundamental it is to engage with the electoral process as a young and first-time voter. The demonstration of the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) was eye-opening; it showcased not just the technology but also how transparent and efficient the voting process can be. Seeing it in action helped demystify the voting process for me. It’s reassuring to see how these innovations aim to protect our votes and make counting more reliable.

What struck me most was the discussion on internet voting. This concept could revolutionize how we participate in elections, especially for young voters like myself who are digital natives (always online). Knowing that the system will be secure makes me more enthusiastic about the possibilities. Commission on Election (COMELEC) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia’s assurance about the security of online voting addressed many concerns. It reassured me that my vote will be protected from potential threats such as hacking into the system.

I realized that voting is more than just a civic duty; it’s an opportunity to advocate for change. I want to take this knowledge home and have conversations with my family about our community’s needs. It’s important that we understand the power of our vote and make choices that align with our values.

This experience has made me feel more connected to the democratic process. I’m eager to participate in the upcoming 2025 elections and help mobilize my peers to ensure that our voices are heard.” 

- Mark Jayvee Dela Peña, Bachelor of Special Needs Education