Who should get the youth vote these coming elections?

For an executive of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industries Inc., youth voters would do well to choose those whose agenda revolves on these two things: reforming the educational system and restoring national pride.

 “We need a leader [who would bring about] positive change,” said Mary Go Ng, Vice President of Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industries Inc., addressing the 991 graduates from the city-government-run Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela during its 11^th commencement exercises at the PICC Plenary Hall, April 7. “We should constantly aspire for ‘better’: better governance, better city, better country to live and better life,” Ng added.

According to the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) record dated December 16, a total of 54,363,329 voters have registered for the national elections on May 9, around 20 million of which are aged 18 to 35.

“Let’s us choose leaders who are for educational reforms, those who can bring our educational system back to the time when the Philippines was the envy of our neighboring countries. Choose leaders who can lead us to inclusive economic growth. Let’s have leaders who can [restore] our national pride of being a Filipino,” Ng said.

Ng said quality education becomes especially important now that the country’s workforce is serving not only a local market but a global one.

“Education provides people the proficiency and competency required to meet the rigors of a global market,” Ng said.

To influence others to cast their votes on the worthy ones, the youth could use technology, particularly social media.

 “Technology has given you the advantage of being able to access information at your fingertips. Use all these tools at your disposal, not just [to busy yourself] in Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. [Use them to] choose the candidate who embodies your ideas and aspiration, promote common good with utmost integrity,” she said.

Meanwhile, Corina N. Samin, a Bachelor of Science, major in Physical Science, delivered the valedictory address. Samin was one of the eight who graduated with honors.