In the 2004 Philippine Elections, the youth made up 62% of the voting population - at least that’s the story presented by @62, a voters’ education campaign for the nation’s youth. I’m not entirely sure that number is accurate, but I would give them the benefit of the doubt. The accuracy of that specific figure isn’t what’s important anyway. What’s important is what they’re trying to do.

You see, they’ve got a fact book out that they want to distribute to voters - at least those in the Greater Manila Area. Their book, @62: Educated, Defensible Vote 2007 Elections Fact Book, “is a factual compilation of the profiles and platforms of candidates, their corresponding parties, and the party-lists.” With this book, they hope to combat what they believe keeps us from voting responsibly: ignorance.

Personally, I’m one of those people who, as they’ve described, fail to see hope for the Philippines. I’ve grown quite cynical about anything related to Philippine politics. On the other hand, I am easily infected with hope when I encounter idealistic individuals. I guess this is why, despite my reluctance to write about Philippine politics on this blog, I’m posting this.

Do you want to get involved? Buy a fact book - it’ll only set you back a hundred bucks and it’ll pay for two other books to be given away. Heck, buy them in bulk - that way @62 can spread more copies of the book around. If it doesn’t help you make a better choice, at least it might help some others.

Who knows? We might actually find reason to believe in the government again.

Tags: Philippines, Philippine Elections 2007, @62, voter education, youth