It's Blues Out in September

It has almost been six years since the country last voted for a new set of leaders, and a year from now, Filipinos will have to elect local and national leaders who will carry the country through for the next six years.

With heightened public awareness regarding human rights violations or anything that can start a mumbling revolution to break the stigma, more people are coming out to exercise their right of freedom of self-expression. Perhaps today's register to vote campaign will pave the way for the best of change.

Although voting is a civic duty and an opportunity for everyone's opinions to be heard and valued, unfortunately, not everyone participates.

The voting public holds the ultimate authority in a democracy through their votes. Yet, the power is often disregarded because of ignorance and the inability to understand how the same power helps to bring about change.

With the series of societal affairs circulating over time, all we are yearning for is never to repeat those dark and obscure histories. Like that regime violence dating back in 1972, which lasted for nearly 14 years, we know that tolerating its reoccurrence will only add to the many problems and issues the country faces.

In what way can we prevent history from repeating itself apart from registering to vote for the upcoming elections? Today, we need to affix a secure future for ourselves and everyone in this country, including the past, present, and future.

People from the past can learn from the conflicts and misunderstandings that occurred long ago. As they say, "The only way we grow is by learning from the past." This way, their efforts to remove a dictatorial regime to bring about change won't come futile.

As for the eligible voters for next year's election, what remains for us is to wield that power to vote, which we all are entitled to. Our choices can determine and establish what comes next for the future and future generations to come.

Through our vote, we can take part in choosing rightful, competent leaders. We must exercise our right to suffrage with utmost care and responsibility. Through the ballot, people have the power to make the country a guaranteed place to build that awaited future we all deserve. Hence, wield that power to change; wield that power wisely.

The bottom line is to register to vote and vote as early as time permits us to do. Next year's election is not about left or right; it is about our future. After all, it's blues out in September.