Canduman, Mandaue City — April 11-12, 2025
In its continuous pursuit of shaping socially aware and responsible individuals, Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu, in partnership with the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, the Philippine Institute for Student Democracy (PISD), and student organization HIRAYA, was able to implement the First-Time Student Voter Education Program.
The highlight of the night was the screening of Balota, a film by Kip Oebanda, that gets to the gritty reality of Philippine elections — from election-day violence and vote-buying to cheating and political dynasty rule. The narrative, acted out by Marian Rivera as Teacher Emmy, a public school teacher who defends a ballot box, encouraged students to think about the moral fiber and bravery demanded of democratic participation.
Following the screening, students attended a TalkBack session led by Mr. Isaiah M. Crisanto, PISD Executive Director. The panel speakers were experts and advocates including representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Center for Youth Participation and Development Initiative (CYPD), youth leaders, and civil society partners. The discussion encouraged critical thinking of electoral integrity as well as responsible and informed voting, especially on the part of first-time voters.
The Voter’s Education program also reached out to the students and members of the faculty of the Tingub National High School and the Mandaue School for the Arts, youth leaders of Barangay Canduman, and CUNINA scholars. They were all invited as special guest viewers to view a special screening and forum on April 12 and further advance the discourse on the youth’s potential in nation-building.
At the same time, Kwentuhang Halalan, voter education formation activity of parents for the CUNINA scholars, was held. Bro. Martin Candelaria, SJ, and the HUMSS-SSP faculty led the program, creating a space for inter-generational learning from the Ignatian heritage of active citizenship. Senior High School teachers also facilitated group discussions to promote family and community consciousness about voting.
Through these practices, the Balota screening and KwentuhangHalalan seek not only to inform individuals about election concerns before the 2025 Midterm Elections, but to foster a culture of volunteerism, engaged citizenry, and moral decision-making.
As the nation prepares for yet another exercise of democracy, the Ateneo de Cebu community is resolute in shaping up students who, in themselves, are indeed people for others — committed to justice, integrity, and the nation-building cause.
