Youth urged to actively participate in elections

FILE: DONE VOTING. A member of the Board of Election Tellers (BET) puts indelible ink on the index finger of a voter at a polling precinct in Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Monday (May 14, 2018). (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA — The new head of a Church-based poll watchdog on Friday urged young Filipinos to actively participate in the holding of elections in the country.

Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) national chairperson, Myla Villanueva, said they want the youth not only to volunteer but also to participate in elections by seeking public posts.

“In this age of social media, it’s important that we reach our youth, teach them the value of their privilege to vote, encourage them to participate in political citizenry, to volunteer, give their time and even run for public office,” she said in a speech during the induction of PPCRV’s new Board of Trustees at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.

“Today I will roll up my sleeves once again. I will travel the country, meet the incredible people who volunteer at the diocese and listen (to) what goals and dreams they have for the PPCRV,” she added.

With this, she asked for the support of the Board of Trustees and volunteers for them to realize their mission.

“With your help and prayers, I know we can deliver on our mission,” Villanueva added.

The new head of the citizens’ arm of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) succeeded lawyer Rene Sarmiento, who resigned from the post due to health reasons.

Among those present during the induction ceremony were PPCRV chairperson emeritus Henrietta de Villa; and PPCRV national spiritual director, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona.

Prior to the event, the new set of officers had a breakfast meeting with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who gave them his blessings.