The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly encouraged eligible learners to register for election so they can exercise their right to vote.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 24, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado M. San Antonio underscored the need for eligible students to participate in the elections in line with the vision and core values of DepEd.

“‘Yung curriculum natin at mga karanasang ibinabahagi sa ating mga mag-aaral ay nakatuon sa mga bagay-bagay na magsisiguro na tayong lahat ay magiging maka-bansa, makakalikasan, maka-tao, at maka-Diyos (Our curriculum and the experiences we share with our students focused on things that will ensure that we will all demonstrate pride in being Filipino, will care for the environment, sensitive to individual differences while expressing and respecting other’s spiritual beliefs),” San Antonio said.

San Antonio also stressed DepEd’s role in encouraging the learners to take part in political issues of the society - especially in selecting the leaders of the country.

“Our dream, as stated in our DepEd Vision, is to produce ‘Filipinos who passionately love their country and who use their talents and potentials to build a strong country’,” he added.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) sets the registration for new voters until September 30, 2021.

An eligible new voter must be a Filipino citizen; at least 18 years old on or before Election Day (May 9, 2022); and a resident of the Philippines for at least one year, and a resident of the place in which one intends to vote for at least six months.

San Antonio mentioned DepEd’s continuous efforts to include voter awareness in social studies and integration of the topic in other subjects as well.

“Ang pagiging isang maayos na mamamayan ng bansa, kasama ang mabisang pamimili ng mga magiging leader ng pamayanan ay kasama sa ating mga obligasyon (Being a good citizen of the country, along with the effective selection of future community leaders, are among our obligations,” San Antonio said.

As an agency mandated to formulate, implement, and coordinate policies, plans, programs, and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education, DepEd plays a significant role in the overall development of Filipino learners.

“Gusto natin na kayong mga kabataan ay talagang nakagagawa ng mga desisyon na mula sa maayos na pag-iisip dahil pinapahalagahan natin ang mga core values. Gusto natin na ang lahat ay tutulong para ang ating bansa ay maging masagana (We want you, young people, to really be able to make well-thought-out decisions because we value our core values. We want everyone to help in making our country prosperous,” he ended.