Sound Mind: A Combat with Election Confusion
“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that the better for us all.” – Erik Erikson.
October 27, 2021 – The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) through the Social Science and Humanities Department (SSHD) facilitated a webinar titled, “Sound Mind Amidst Election Confusion” via Zoom Videoconferencing App, which intends to address the changing election cycle that is far different compared to the past ones, and the need for us to be alert and reflect is really important.
Dr. Florence D. Ganir, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, encourages everyone to listen and reflect during her welcome address because it is timely for all of us, especially since the 2022 election is around the corner.
“If there is one thing we can agree on is that the social media companies and political campaigns done virtually may inevitably bring widespread uncertainty and confusion,” Dr. Ganir said.
Prof. Michelle P. Domingo, CAS Administrative Dean and Head of SSHD, said that suffrage is an instrument of the sovereign to elect the representatives to realize their aspirations.
“The exercise of suffrage is one of the pillars of democracy we enjoy, and every vote is a brick for the building for our brighter tomorrow.” She formally introduced the first resource speaker, who is the incumbent Election Officer IV of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) of the City Government of Laoag, Atty. Julius Harvey Balbas, who discussed voter education.
Atty. Balbas quoted what Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” From that statement, he started to instill the importance of actively participating both in national and local government through elections. This is to remind us of our role to be concerned about the things happening in our government. There is a need to focus on the youth since the majority of the registered voters are 18–30 years old. Voters’ education is indeed important.
He discussed the qualifications of the running officials, premature campaigning, vote buying, and the power of social media on how to differentiate quality news from “fake news” and the need to fact-check. As there has been a significant increase in social media consumption, he has also mentioned the need to unfollow some toxic and unreliable sources.
As a Filipino youth, there is a great challenge bestowed since the majority of the voters’ population relies on their choices. It signifies that they need attention and guidance considering that the future depends on their hands. Atty. Balbas said that one thing we can do to address issues and concerns in the community through political participation and representation is to cast our vote.
After the discussion, it was followed by an open forum facilitated by Jezreel Larry Caunca. Students actively questioned the speaker because they wanted to learn more and broaden their perspectives on election issues.
In answering questions, Atty. Balbas reiterated not to tolerate vote buying, encouraging the participants not to accept any amount of money, and reminding everyone to use their conscience. He also underlines that the cause of confusion is the fact that there is an overflow of information.
Ms. Romelia V. Tagama, CAS Instructor, introduced the second speaker, Ms. Desiree Regine R. Darca, a Registered Psychometrician, who tackled the topic of managing election stress for a sound mind.
Ms. Darca shared how elections can impact or can cause stress and anxiety. She also informed the participants of the eustress (positive) and distress (negative) kinds of stress. She clearly gave enough knowledge about the symptoms of stress, the positive and negative coping mechanisms, and some tips to get through election stress.
Knowing more about these topics is truly valuable, especially in this time of pandemic as people are in the vast world of technology and flooded with social media platforms.
The program ended with a closing remark delivered by Ms. Jessica C. Guillermo, CAS Instructor.
“Let this event be a reminder that it is completely normal to get affected physically, emotionally, and mentally by these challenging and difficult situations and events. Let us therefore not forget to prioritize our mental health through positive coping strategies,” Ms. Guillermo said.
