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The Youth Are the Standard: CHR, MinSU push for informed civic participation

MinSU, CHR strengthened youth's awareness on human rights, participation and electoral process during the #AkoBatayan – May Karapatan ang Kabataan sa Kanilang Kinabukasan”, May 26.

The future of democracy does not wait for young people to grow older. In many ways, it already rests in their hands.

This became the central message of the “#AkoBatayan – May Karapatan ang Kabataan sa Kanilang Kinabukasan” forum held on May 26, 2026 at the Audio-Visual Room of Mindoro State University-Calapan Campus, led by the Commission on Human Rights in partnership with the University.

The half-day event gathered students, youth leaders, and representatives from various organizations and communities across Oriental Mindoro to discuss human rights, youth participation, leadership, and the electoral process ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

More than a pre-election initiative, the forum served as a reminder that the strength of the country’s future depends on how empowered and informed its young people are today.

During her message, Atty. Brenda E. Canapi, OIC-Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights Region IV-B MIMAROPA, emphasized that voting is both a right and a responsibility of the youth.

“Hindi lang sapat na bumoto ang mga kabataan; dapat ay bumoto nang tama,” she said, highlighting the importance of making informed choices in shaping the nation’s future.

Meanwhile, Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University President, reminded the participants that the youth are more than observers of change.

“To the young people here today and across our communities, I want to look at you directly and say this: you are the standard. Never let anyone tell you that you are ‘just’ students or ‘just’ the youth,” Dr. Apostol stated.

Also present during the forum were Mr. Arnando V. Angeles, National Youth Commission Presidential Staff Officer IV, and Atty. John Mark Tambasacan, Provincial Election Supervisor of Oriental Mindoro.

As conversations on leadership and civic participation filled the room, one message stood out clearly: when the youth understand their rights, recognize their voice, and choose to participate, they become more than the future of the nation; they become a force capable of shaping it today. (marm)

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