QUEZON City, Philippines (October 20) – My dad decided to take me to the municipal hall seven months after I turned 18, so that I can register myself as a voter.
Then, I realized that being a registered voter carries with it so much more significance not only for me but for our country as well.
Being a registered voter means that you are considered as a legitimate citizen of the Philippines.
The scene when I first applied for registry as a voter was actually kind of funny. When we entered the hall, I was holding my dad in his right arm for support, the security guard asked “ate, kukuha po ng senior citizen card para kay lolo nyo?” (Miss, are you going to get a senior’s citizen card for your grandfather?) I suddenly burst into laughter and said “hindi po kuya, 52 po lang po tatay ko” (no sir, my dad’s just 52 years old). My father gave the security guard a killer look while we’re walking away. But it did not end there, in every hall we passed by, my dad was always mistaken as a senior citizen as such, we were able to breeze through the lines because we were always being called forward and given preferential treatment. I kept laughing the whole time we were there while my dad valiantly kept a poker face.
The process of registration goes on… there were papers that I signed and I also have my photo taken. Hope that it turns out well.
The registration was not long though because it was on a Sunday. After that, I felt it was so fulfilling— as a grown up girl.
Actually having myself registered as a voter is quite fulfilling. I feel like I am now fully considered as an adult, with the responsibility to choose the path that this country will take.
(written by Joana Joyce Tan Marcaida, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)