MANILA, Philippines—Youth organization Young Filipino Advocates of Critical Thinking (yFACTph) launched its 2022 voter registration campaign titled “Boto Mo, Bukas Natin” (Your Vote, Our Future) on Sunday, February 7, 2021.

The campaign, which ramps up yFACTph’s voter registration efforts, kicked off with a public service announcement (PSA) through its social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

The PSA features some of today’s prominent figures from social and traditional media, including Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago, LFS Philippines National Spokesperson James Carwyn Candila, actress Cherry Pie Picache, and content creators Christian Tiu, Eryka Lucas, Luis Gragera, Gab Campos, Isa Rodriguez, Kim Bejerano, Kyle Vergara, Mela Habijan, Rain Matienzo, Paolo Pangilinan, Sassa Gurl, Tonie Moreno, Roj Tirona, Sebastian Castro, and Vinz San Juan.

The personalities in the PSA joined yFACTph’s effort voluntarily.

They shared the importance of voting as a right which shapes the future of the country.

Content creator Rain Matienzo shared her excitement in joining, saying that encouraging people to vote is a “look back to the past” and a “look forward to the future”.

“Understand that it’s been recorded in history and several instances that during elections in a democratic country, one vote is so powerful as to completely alter the course of the nation’s future. Vote, because your future hangs on that thin thread,” said Matienzo.

yFACTph had already been starting its voter registration efforts since registration resumed in September 2020.

John Philip Bravo, yFACTph Chairperson, said encouraging people to vote is central to the organization’s focus in promoting better online spaces.

“We really want to inspire and empower all eligible voters to make their voices heard. We believe that bringing content, youth leaders, celebrities, and influencers together makes storytelling more meaningful and impactful — regardless of their level of belief in the system,” said Bravo.

The Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) offices are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays at each city and town.

All Filipino citizens who are aged 18 years and older are eligible to register for the 2022 national and local elections.

Those who have already registered for the 2016 and 2019 election cycles no longer need to renew their registration.

If a person has transferred to another residence, they may register in that area if they have already lived there for more than six (6) months.

Those who wish to register must bring at least two (2) valid IDs indicating their residency in their area. They may also bring their birth certificate to verify their age.

Registrants are encouraged to bring their own pens, and set an appointment via https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/, to lessen the risks due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to COMELEC data, during the last presidential elections in 2016, as much as 44,549,848 voters went to the polls, or 81.94 percent of the total 54,363,844 registered voters in the country.

During the midterm elections in 2019, roughly 75 percent voted, or 46,937,139 of the nation’s total registered voters of 61,843,771 had cast their ballot, excluding Overseas Absentee Voters.