By Mariela Angella Oladive
More than 100 Araling Panlipunan department heads and educators joined a three-day seminar-workshop from March 24 to 26 under the Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BESProbins) program.
The event focused on the rollout of nine Voter Education Instructional Modules for Grades 10 to 12.
Developed through a collaboration among the Iloilo Provincial Government, the University of the Philippines and the Department of Education – Schools Division of Iloilo, the modules aim to strengthen voter education in classrooms and help students make informed electoral decisions.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, who spoke at the event, emphasized the need to mold a responsible electorate, especially among young voters.
“Through this program, the youth will be capacitated and educated to vote wisely,” he said.
“They should use their knowledge to choose leaders based on competency, track record and platform.”
Dr. Nestor Pingil, DepEd Iloilo’s chief education supervisor, highlighted the vital role of teachers in shaping students’ civic awareness.
“What’s the point of teaching society, culture, politics and governance if our learners are not responsible and responsive?” he said.
“Their votes determine the kind of society we will have, and they need to exercise this meaningfully.”
The workshop, facilitated by DepEd Iloilo and the Provincial Education Core Group (EDCORE), also served as a call to action for educators to become civic mentors.
It aims to ensure the next generation of voters understands both the power and responsibility of their vote.
