SK Convention: NYC calls for youth participation in May polls

(From left) National Youth Commission (NYC) Executive Director Julius Director, NYC Commissioner-at-Large Asec. Paul Pangilinan, NYC chairperson Usec. Ronald Cardema, army reservist Matteo Guidicelli, and NYC Commissioner Asec. Victor del Rosario address the media at the press conference in Baguio Country Club for the Sangguniang Kabataan National Convention. (Photo by Valerie Damian)

BAGUIO CITY — The National Youth Commission (NYC) has reminded the youth not to waste and sell their votes, two weeks before the upcoming elections.

In the May polls, the youth sector is the biggest voting block, said NYC Chairperson Ronald Cardema in a press conference for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Youth Convention here on Friday.

About 24 million of the 60 million voters are aged 18 to 30, Cardema said.

“Our message to the youth [is] do not be fussy. Even if it’s hot, line up because this is your privilege,” said NYC Commissioner Victor del Rosario.

Del Rosario encouraged young voters to choose candidates with platforms that would benefit the youth.

The NYC also highlighted the importance of voters’ education starting with the youth leaders participating in the convention.

Actor and Army reservist Matteo Guidicelli was one of the invited speakers for the convention.

Organizers said the convention would serve as an avenue for youth leaders to learn about the roles of the youth in nation building.

They will also have a chance to propose possible amendments to the SK law, which may include compensation for SK officials.