The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has praised the country’s youth for their strong participation in the 2025 Midterm National and Local Elections, calling it a sign of hope and responsible citizenship.
Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres, chair of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth, said the active involvement of young voters reflects a deep concern for the country and its future.
“Thank you very much to the young people who participated in the Midterm Elections. Your participation gives hope,” said the prelate in a message aired over Radio Veritas 846.
“Good Citizenship, we say, is about valuing and showing concern for the nation. May we continue to consider the welfare of the greater number of our people. Let us continue to dream and work hard for our country and our communities,” he added.
His statement came after Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia attributed the historic voter turnout in this year’s elections to the strong participation of young voters.
Official data from the poll body showed a voter turnout of 81.65 percent—the highest ever recorded in Philippine midterm election history. Out of 68.43 million registered voters, more than 55.87 million cast their ballots.
COMELEC earlier reported that 63 percent of registered voters were aged 18 to 44, comprising Millennials and members of Generation Z.
Archbishop Alarcon urged the youth to remain engaged beyond the elections and to continue working for inclusive development, particularly for the marginalized.
“My prayer and appeal to the youth is that after the Elections, let us continue to participate and contribute to change and development, especially for the small and the poor—for all. God bless the youth,” he said.
As spiritual director of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the archbishop also encouraged young Filipinos to volunteer at the PPCRV Command Center in Manila, where a manual audit and unofficial parallel count of election returns are ongoing.
“A call also to the youth to volunteer at the PPCRV Command Center. The work continues, more volunteers are needed,” he said.
