GenZennial Tour brings nat’l issues, vote discussions to GenSan youth

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A nationwide campus tour is reaching out to young Filipinos to discuss the West Philippine Sea, government accountability and the 2028 elections, as organizers seek to encourage Gen Z voters to take a more active interest in national affairs.

Team Pinas brought its “GenZennial Tour” to Mindanao State University-General Santos City on Wednesday, combining discussions on national issues with performances and activities designed for young audiences.

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Cleve Arguelles, spokesperson for Team Pinas, said the tour focuses on the West Philippine Sea, government accountability, and issues young voters may consider as the country approaches the 2028 elections.

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Among the topics were China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, issues arising from the flood control controversy, and the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

The program also features performances, lightsticks, photo booths and other activities patterned after events popular among young people.

Arguelles said the format was designed not only to attract Gen Z participants but also to find out which national issues matter most to them.

He said organizers initially wondered whether young people who spend much of their time online had become less interested in national affairs. Their experience during the tour, however, showed that students were also looking for information and face-to-face discussions.

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According to Arguelles, such discussions allow students to ask questions and examine information amid the spread of fake news and disinformation online.

One session, titled “From TikTok to West Philippine Sea,” connects young people’s use of social media with issues such as food security, the livelihood and safety of Filipino fishermen, and online disinformation.

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The group also discusses the 2028 elections, including potential candidates and the performance of incumbent officials.

Arguelles stressed, however, that Team Pinas does not endorse candidates or tell participants whom to vote for.

“We do not endorse candidates, and we also do not tell them whom they should vote for,” he said.

Instead, Arguelles said, the group wants young voters to consider national issues when they eventually cast their ballots.

Team Pinas is a coalition of academics and community advocates from different universities and professions, including political scientists, public administration scholars, and lawyers.

Its activities also extend beyond campuses through “Baranggayan,” or community-level discussions.

READ: Teach Gen Z the power of money

Arguelles maintained that the program is nonpartisan and focused on raising awareness among young people.

“They are not merely the hope of the future. They are already the hope of today,” he said.

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Arguelles also urged young people not to lose interest in national affairs despite concerns over corruption and other problems confronting the country, saying Gen Z could use its collective voice to participate in discussions on issues that could shape its future. /jpv