Guardians of Democracy: JCI Manila Recognized at COMELEC’s Gabi ng Pasasalamat

As the Philippines concluded the 2025 National and Local Midterm Elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gathered its key partners for an evening of gratitude and reflection. The “Gabi ng Pasasalamat: The Stakeholders’ Appreciation Night” was held to recognize individuals and institutions whose efforts helped uphold the credibility, order, and success of the elections.

Among those honored was JCI Manila, represented by Director Joshua Aragon of Special Projects and Commissioner Dan Michael Gallego, who leads the organization’s Civic Involvement and Peace Advocacy efforts. The recognition highlighted JCI Manila’s critical role in engaging young Filipinos and protecting the integrity of the vote.

The evening also brought together other changemakers. Fellow Jaycees Earvin Chance Uy and Cayle Uy were in attendance, representing F21 Logistics, COMELEC’s official partner in the transport and deployment of automated election machines. Their work ensured that vital electoral equipment reached their destinations securely, helping to safeguard the election’s logistical backbone.

Also present was Jesus “Gary” S. Domingo, a fellow Jaycee and newly appointed Philippine Consul General in Melbourne. Attending in his capacity as a representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Consul General Domingo previously served as DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs from 2022 to 2025, and as Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand from 2016 to 2022. His presence underscored the shared commitment of civic and diplomatic leaders to strengthening democracy through active public service.

Together, these individuals formed a community bound by a shared belief: that democracy is not only preserved through institutions, but also through citizen participation and leadership.

Juan Sa Halalan: A Movement Born from Urgency

At the heart of JCI Manila’s recognition was its landmark civic education initiative, Juan Sa Halalan. This youth-driven campaign was developed in response to rising misinformation, voter apathy among first-time voters, and waning public trust in the electoral system.

With over 21.87 million Gen Z voters expected to participate in the 2025 elections, JCI Manila saw a need to re-engage the youth through meaningful and values-based education. Juan Sa Halalan set out to inform, equip, and inspire.

Executed in collaboration with COMELEC, NAMFREL, San Beda University, and several academic institutions, the initiative brought together a powerful lineup of activities: A full-day symposium featuring electoral experts and youth leaders, grassroots-level town hall discussions, a live demonstration of the vote-counting machine, a mock election to simulate the actual voting process

The campaign culminated with the deployment of nearly 100 accredited youth poll watchers across Metro Manila. These young volunteers were trained to observe election procedures and ensure transparency at polling stations.

Remarkably, the entire project was carried out with no internal funding, relying entirely on partnerships, community support, and shared national purpose. Juan Sa Halalan became a working model of multi-sectoral collaboration, responsible youth engagement, and scalable civic impact.

A Continuing Commitment to Civic Duty

For JCI Manila, the recognition from COMELEC is more than symbolic. It serves as a reaffirmation of the organization’s enduring commitment to promote justice, empower the youth, and create meaningful platforms for civic participation.

As a longtime partner of COMELEC, JCI Manila continues to champion democratic values through action. In times when institutions are challenged and public trust is fragile, the organization remains steadfast in its belief that every vote counts and that every Filipino, especially the youth,has a role to play in building a better future.

By choosing engagement over apathy and responsibility over comfort, JCI Manila shows that democracy is not only preserved through law. It thrives through leadership, service, and an unwavering belief in the power of the people.

Juan sa Halalan: Empowering the Youth for a Transparent and Participatory Democracy