THE DEPARTMENT of Education urged  learners who are eligible to vote to register so that they will be able to exercise their right to vote.

During the EduAksyon Regional Press Conference over the weekend, Education Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio stressed DepEd’s role in encouraging learners to take part in political issues, especially in selecting the country’s leaders.

“‘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 makabansa, makakalikasan, makatao, at maka-Diyos,” San Antonio said.

“Ang pangarap natin sabi nga sa DepEd Vision ay, ‘Filipinos who passionately love their country and who use their talents and potentials to build a strong country,” he added.

New voters have until September 30, 2021 to register with the Commission on Elections.

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 said that the DepEd continues 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,” he said.

“Gusto natin na kayong mga kabataan ay talagang nakagagawa ng mga desisyon na mula sa maayos na pag-iisip dahil pinahahalagahan natin ang mga core values. Gusto natin na ang lahat ay tutulong para ang ating bansa ay maging masagana,” the DepEd official added.