What now, Catandunganons?
Now that our 2025 midterm polls are over and the winners have been proclaimed, I would like to congratulate my kababayans for a generally peaceful election, the candidates who won on platforms anchored in genuine public service, and the youth who reminded us of where true power lies in a democracy.
After the disappointment of 2022 senatorial elections, where a celebrity emerged with the most number of votes based on no other credential than popularity, it was difficult to get one’s hopes up for this election season. Especially with pre-election surveys predicting the wins of popular, not necessarily competent, candidates, I was prepared to expect little for the future of this country. But as many have already pointed out, the young voters did not let those surveys or the loudest, most well-funded voices determine this year’s outcome.
Instead, they exercised their power where it truly matters: in the polling precincts. And they shifted the trajectory of this country’s political narrative, even just a little bit. And for that, I find myself feeling more optimistic for our province and our nation.
These midterm results revealed that across the country, more and more Filipinos are raising their standards when it comes to their elected officials, and it is an exciting and inspiring sight to behold. We are steadily learning that the best way for our nation to advance is to choose public servants who take that title seriously, who have no other agenda than to serve the Filipino people honestly, cleanly, and in full accordance with our country’s laws.
The fact that most of our successful candidates do not belong to political dynasties is evidence that you, the voters, chose good governance over personality politics. I am grateful to all of you for giving Catanduanes this opportunity to become a more progressive province for all Catandunganons.
But our work doesn’t end here. If anything, it has only just begun because our active participation is needed for good governance to truly flourish in Catanduanes. How do we make that happen?
- Keep your standards high, your eyes open, and your voice loud.
The path of good governance is marked by rules, checks and balances, and a constant commitment to transparency and accountability. We need to make sure our elected officials know that we expect them to stay on this path – no shortcuts; no deviations; no “pwede na”. Do not hesitate to call out wrongdoing when you see it, and do not let yourself be a vehicle for wrongdoing. Do not bribe public officials or lean on close connections to get what you want at the expense of what is best for the people. We expect our public servants to act with integrity; let’s meet that standard for ourselves as well.
- Listen to the youth and give them space to act.
If you were surprised by the results of the midterm elections, then you weren’t paying attention to the mock election trends in our schools and universities. Ana Singson, the spokesperson for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, said as much when she acknowledged that the outcome mirrored what she had been seeing within the academic community, not in pre-election surveys. The millennial and Gen Z voters have spoken, and we need to listen because – let’s face it – they have more skin in this game. They are going to live with the consequences of the government’s actions now far longer than any of us older generations will. So I encourage you – the members of the Silent Generation, the Boomers, the Gen Xers – to do what you can to support our younger peers and their plans for building a Catanduanes where they can thrive and dream and prosper.
- Get out, get involved, and stay involved.
Our newly elected officials have yet to hold office but already they are signaling their priorities and leanings. If you support your government official’s platform or projects, then do what you can to make it easier on their administration to fulfill those plans. Volunteer to help; participate in public biddings in an honest, transparent manner; offer your expertise where it is useful. If you don’t support your government official’s platform, then find constructive ways to refine that plan.
Engage them in dialogue; actively work at finding common ground; be the voice that calls for what would serve Catandunganons best. Our country has been heading in the wrong direction for so long, it will take all our strength to steer this ship towards calmer waters. But we can do it. These midterm elections prove that.
And so if you are, like me, encouraged by these polling results, then cheers! Let us savor this win for what it is: a vote for competent, honest officials who bring a promise of good governance for the next few years. But let us remain clear-eyed that a promise is not yet reality. We must be prepared to work just as hard as the people we elected in making sure they deliver on those promises and that we Catandunganons receive the public service we deserve.
Then we can easily and sincerely explain to anyone how we have come to be known as the HAPPY ISLANDERS!
Victor C. Valledor