ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Young voters in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte participated in the 2025 National and Local Elections, with many from Generation Z and the Millennial age group expressing support for good governance and change.
In Barangay Buruun, Iligan City, 22-year-old Chrystina Sangkula described voting as both a right and a civic duty that should be taken seriously.
“Importante kaayo ang pagbotar. Dili lang tungod sa atong own nga kagustuhan, pero para sa kaugmaon sa atong lugar ug lungsod,” she said.
(Voting is very important, not just because of our personal preferences, but for the future of our area and community.)
Nursing student Melchisedech Legas also said informed voting is necessary to help shape the city’s future.
In Kauswagan town, 20-year-old Jessa Marie Torres from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology said her vote represents a hope for genuine change:
“I’m here to vote not just for myself, for my own gain but also for the people nga nag-hope for good governance,” she said.
Torres said she supports leaders who prioritize governance, address local problems, and support the public. She also shared hopes for peace and stable employment, which she said are essential for progress.
Youth leader Ryan Dumip-ig, also from Kauswagan, emphasized the need to vote for principled leaders.
“Ako jud tumong nganong nivote ko is for the youth and to choose the worthy one. Magpili ta’g mga kandidato nga naay pananaw sa youth for the improvement and for good governance,” he said.
(My main reason for voting is for the youth and to choose the worthy one. We should elect candidates who have a vision for the youth, for improvement, and for good governance.)
As an advocate of youth for good governance, Dumip-ig said their goal is to mold young people to become leaders themselves.
In Bacolod town, 29-year-old Pressy Lou Maata Lamay said she came early to vote. As a mother, she emphasized health, education, and leadership.
“Importante gyud sa amoa ang mubotar kay para ni sa kaugmaon sa tanan. Isip inahan, gusto ko og bag-ong pamumuno diri sa municipality,” she said.
(It is really important for us to vote because it is for the future of everyone. As a mother, I want new leadership here in the municipality.)
According to the Commission on Elections, Generation Z (ages 18–27) and Millennials (ages 28–44) make up 60 percent of the voting population in the country. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
