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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Star Magic artists will use their voice to encourage more Filipinos to register to participate and vote in the upcoming 2022 national elections as ambassadors of the voter's registration campaign of ABS-CBN's Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo (BMPM). The partnership between BMPM and Star Magic was announced last August 13, 2021 (Thursday) in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) with Robi Domingo, Ria Atayde, Edward Barber, Donny Pangilinan, Miles Ocampo, Aya Fernandez, Alora Sasam, Karina Bautista, Josh Colet, Anji Salvacion, Charles Kieron, Heaven Peralejo, Pepe Herrera and Dominic Ochoa being introduced to join the cause.
“This is a most consequential election in our country’s history kaya mahalaga na manindigan tayo sa karapatang ito. Maraming salamat sa Star Magic at Comelec pati sa iba pang grupo na nagsusulong ng voter registration,” said ABS-CBN News Head Ging Reyes. Meanwhile, COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez said that artists speaking out about the importance of voting is a big help in convincing people to register for the elections. “Natutuwa kami sa proyektong ito para ma-address ‘yung perennial problem na ‘yan, o disinterest o unengaged ang mga kabataan. Ang kabataan ngayon ay bumubuo ng mahigit one-third ng ating voting population," Jimenez said.
Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi revealed that the idea of a voter registration campaign came from Robi Domingo. Direk Lauren shared, “Nagsimula po itong proyekto na ito kay Robi Domingo. Siya po ang lumapit sa amin at nagsabing gusto niyang makatulong sa darating na eleksyon at gusto niyang ma-educate ang mga kabataan natin sa Star Magic." As for ambassadors Robi Domingo and Ria Atayde, a single vote can spell a huge difference for the country's future. “Remember that we’re gonna be part of something big, it’s not a story of a champion or a titleholder, this is not just our story, it’s history. It will have a ripple effect on the future generations. Instead of saying ‘isa lang ako,’ say, ‘isa pa ako,’ Robi shared. Ria added, “You don’t have to have a million followers to create change. So it’s good to see that within our circle in Star Magic, we’re doing this. As simple as one vote seems, your vote matters.”
As ambassadors, the introduced artists will emphasize the role of the youth in nation-building through their participation in the elections as they take part in BMPM workshops nationwide and BMPM's voter education efforts on social media. “Pinapakita na sa pamamagitan ng BMPM, ng citizen journalism, pwede tayong makatulong para sa ating barangay, ekswelahan, at bayan. Panahon na uli ng eleksyon, kaya tulong-tulong po tayong mag-patrol. Nandito po kami para sa inyo, eleksyon man o hindi,” said BMPM head Weng Paraan.
Filipino citizens aged at least 18 years old, residents of the country and currently living in the place they intend to vote in for at least six months are eligible to register as voters. They just need to need to fill out the online forms at iRehistro (irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/cef1) and submit their accomplished forms to the nearest COMELEC office in their area along with an original and photocopy of their valid ID. Deadline for voter registration is on September 30, 2021.
