With Filipinos aged 18 to 35 comprising 46 percent of the voting population, the youth sector has been tagged as an influential force in putting into power the most qualified leaders that can lead the country to progress.
 
This was cited by Christian Billiones, president of AISEC Philippines – the world’s largest youth-run network based in Quezon City, as he stressed that today’s youth should recognize their power to install the most deserving leaders who could change their lives and provide a difference in nation-building.
 
Recently, some 5,000 university students attended the Global Youth Summit (GYS) an annual event that instills the youth’s awareness in realizing their full potentials.
 
As the May 2016 election nears, Billiones believes the youth could unite and change the whole political landscape because of their sheer number.
 
Billones noted the youth should find time to study every candidate, their platforms, their track record and their integrity as public servants before voting.
 
“We owe it upon ourselves to know each candidate and not just go with the flow. We should vote for the next leaders who have true passion and platform for the people especially the youth,” he stressed.
 
Billiones urged qualified voters to exercise their right to suffrage since failing to do so would be waste of “our collective power to change the future.”
 
The GYS was held in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.
 
During the GYS, the youth delegates were treated to valuable insights on how to find their purpose and work hard to pursue it.
 
There were also discussions on relevant issues affecting them including education, family life, social media, nation-building among others.
 
Royston Cabunag, director of SM Cares Youth Program said SM will continue to be the youth’s springboard to global network.