“Pili-Pinas” 2022: A Virtual Voters’ Education Campaign For The NSTP Students

of DMMMSU by Dr. Allan Hil B. Pajimola

Reaction Paper

Sharon Salzberg once said, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves,
one another, this country, and this world.”

Election is a formal collective decision-making process in which a populace selects one

or more candidates for public office. Since the 17th century, elections have been the most
common means of achieving contemporary representative democracy. Elections may be held to
fill legislative, executive, and judicial positions, as well as regional and municipal government
positions. Many other private and corporate organizations, including clubs, voluntary
associations, and businesses, employ this procedure. And now, it is a timely event in our
country as 2022 National Election is quickly approaching.

On December 11, 2021, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Mid La Union
Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC) held a webinar entitled “Pili-Pinas”: A virtual Voters’ Education
Campaign for the NSTP Students of DMMMSU. Which aims to enlighten students on how to
vote or choose rightful leaders in the upcoming elections. Topics like Right of Suffrage, Voting
Behavior, Election Process and many more has been presented in the said event.

On the first part of the lecture, the voting behaviors which are visible to the Filipino
people has been presented. Where in a lot of factors were mentioned as to why people vote for
a certain politician like dynasties. Easy name recall, fiesta-like campaigns, vote buying, and
many other reasons which makes people decide who to choose. It has been tackled that
popularity like being able to be in the limelight like actors and actresses who shift into politics
and endorsement of famous artists, affect the decision made by the public. And as a Filipino
citizen who has been observant, I believe that this type of factors greatly affects the results of
elections.

Next are the acts prohibited during campaign period where we should be aware of.
These includes intervention of foreigners to aid a candidate or a political party, and removal or
destruction of lawful propaganda by any person during the campaign period. Lawful
propagandas, and limitations on expenses for election campaign has also been shared to us.
This is meant to educate us voters on knowing how to look at a candidate who follows the
standards and rules set by the commission. Thus, it also shows that whoever wholeheartedly
follows every measure stated is someone who is worthy of support and vote from the people,
which makes them someone who is credible enough to be a leader.
 Other timely information was also shared all through out the webinar. I believe that it
has made a difference to each student who listen and take part in the said event. We may be
divided in life by differing opinions and viewpoints, yet we all share the same foundations. And
it is the goal of our quest for knowledge. We're all looking for it. Wisdom is a goal that has
existed since the dawn of time, and it is a concept that has remained surprisingly consistent
across millennia and nations. We're all looking for the same thing.

If I were to share what I have realized after the event it would be that we look for
wisdom in our leaders as voters, but more crucially as citizens of a vast and diverse community,
to ensure that we can all enjoy full and meaningful lives. It may appear hopeless at times, but
the good news is that we all have the strength to make it happen.

We can actively work to improve our wisdom. Voting, especially wise voting, is an act of
practical wisdom. If we choose knowledgeable leaders, we can help the rest of society become
wiser as well. After that, everyone wins.