Political engagement of the youth in Banaue, Ifugao

Abstract

All throughout the world, the population of young people is drastically increasing giving a chance to each individual to prove how participation would bring about the change that is expected to happen. In the Philippines, research revealed that there is an equal number of youth who claim to be active members of different youth organizations which suggest that they are not ignorant of the social problems and inequalities of the society. Sarmiento and Ignacio (2015) said that the young people are given opportunities to be politically active through organizing events and rallies. But instead of being indulged as the future leaders, youth become active critics of the government. They express themselves with subversive style that tends to weaken the political system and the government. The chronicles of the Philippine nation is the history of youthful aspirations for change. Some of the major figures of the Philippine struggle of independence from Spain had barely reached adulthood when they produce their bravest deeds. According to Velasco (n.d) Jose Rizal published his novel Noli Me Tangere (which meant "Touch Me Not") that exposed the abuses of the Spanish clergy in 1866 when he was just 25 years old. Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto who were founders of the insurgency movement began organizing the resistance to the colonial state when they were in their twenties. Bonifacio's wife, Gregoria de Jesus was just 21 years old when she joined the nationalist struggle in 1896. And Emilio Aguinaldo was only 29 years old when the flag of the First Philippine Republic was unfurled in 1898 and he assumed presidency. However, despite the progressive language of empowerment and participation, patronage, class and elite politics continue to undermine Philippine democratization. But despite such flaws, researches revealed that there is an equal number of youth who claim to be active members of different youth organizations which suggest that they are not ignorant of the social problems and inequalities of the society. Moreover, becoming involved in transforming the youth's needs into policies, programs and reforms is an altogether different issue. In the municipal level, there are forces limiting youth participation. For example, it is difficult to promote participation when community agencies view young people as passive recipients of service rather than as competent citizens. Participation is also limited when adults treat the youth as inferior and disregard their potential because their age, instead of encouraging them to participate more, the dominant view of the young people as being withdrawn or disengaged lowers expectations. The research aims to better understand general elections and voter's political participation, voting behavior, community involvement, enhancement of knowledge, reasons for voting in elections and the qualities of a political candidate that the youth preferred. This study was conducted in relation to the young people's participation, awareness, and effectiveness to contribute in nation building. This study aims to determine the extent of participation of the youth in the democratic process, the reason for voting in elections and the qualities of a good political candidate. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:1. What is the extent of participation of the youth in the democratic process in terms of: a. voting behavior b. community involvement c. enhancement in political knowledge. 2. What are the reasons of the youth for voting in the elections? 3. What are the endearing qualities of the candidates the youth preferred? The following are the major findings of the study: 1. Voting behavior indicators of the youth is described as moderate participation. 2. Community involvement of the youth during election is described as moderate participation. 3. The youth's enhancement of political knowledge is described as moderate participation in the general elections. 4. The sense of being a responsible citizen was the main reason of the youth in voting during elections. 5. The youth preferred a candidate who is trustworthy. In the view of the foregoing, the following inferences are drawn: 1. It can be concluded that the youth of Banaue, Ifugao are moderately active in terms of political participation. Their voting behavior and enhancement in political knowledge is described as moderate participation while their community involvement resulted into weak participation. 2. Young people generally participated in elections because they believe that it is part of their civic duty as responsible citizens. While political parties serve as vehicles for stability and good governance, young voters of Banaue, Ifugao pay a little emphasis of the candidate's political affiliation but instead, they focus more on supporting a relative or a friend that is running for public office. 3. Young voters of Banaue, Ifugao preferred a political candidate who is trustworthy, has accomplishments and good track record while a candidate belonging to a well-known family and physical appearance are not considered by the youth as personal qualities in choosing their candidate in the past 2016 National and Local Elections. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations are presented: 1. Results revealed that the youth participation in the democratic process is described as moderate with a numerical value that is considered low. It is therefore recommended that leadership training programs for the youth, awareness campaigns during election season, establishment of youth councils or organizations aside from the SK and finally, SK projects should be assessed for sustainability for a higher number of youth participation.2. It can be observed from the results that the main reason of the youth in voting for the past National and Local Election is due to the fact that it is part of their civic duty as a responsible citizen. It is therefore recommended that the Local Government Unit of Banaue, Ifugao should lay out or construct other activities and programs that would strengthen the participation of the youth like sponsoring them international forum or training. 3. The study revealed that discussing political issues with other people has a moderate involvement. Therefore, it is recommended that young people should encompass a healthy society where diversity is accepted, where the free minds are accorded the opportunity to develop. In such society, various points of view compete in the marketplace. Where criticism is not equated with treason. 4. The study has shown that participation in the democratic processes is important for personal development and proper representation. Having the right to participate should be seen as source of strength and opportunity for local communities. It is therefore recommended that the young people should have a positive perspective about politics and encourage other young people to involve themselves in activities that directly or indirectly affect their lives. 5. In terms of further research, it is recommended that the same study may be replicated in other municipalities of the province of Ifugao to validate findings of present research or to explore, evaluate other variables or factors that may affect the youth engagement in democratic processes. A comparative study can be carried out using a different and broader respondents and coverage by other researchers. And finally, a separate research on the voting behavior, civic engagement and enhancement of political knowledge in members of the private sector.