October 29, 2021 - In an effort to educate young voters in the upcoming 2022 national elections in the online platform, Xavier University and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) formalized their partnership for the “Maging Magiting” Voters’ Education Campaign through a virtual MOA signing.

Representing the two institutions were University President Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, and AFI Senior Director for Social Development, Ms Joanna O. Duarte, as the chief signatories of the Memorandum of Agreement.  With them, to officially witness the ceremony, were Dev Com Department Chairperson, Ms Rechelle Ann T. Barraquias, and “Maging Magiting” Project Lead, Christian Gomez, Ph.D. 

“Today, we are honored to partner with Xavier University for this very timely voters’ education initiative.” Ms. Joanna Duarte stated that she takes pride in the values and commitment that the AFI and the university share with one another.  She further shared about how the campaign corresponds to the theme of their company’s 60th anniversary, “Faith in the Filipino.”

“Voters’ education is crucial in our present time, given the many young voters comprising 52% of the total qualified voters in the country.” Fr. Mars Tan expressed his concern over what he has observed to be the common sentiment among the voting population, adding that, “many young voters do not want to exercise their right to vote, because they do not see the connection between voting and good governance in our country.”

The issue about the current disposition of the voting population, however, is looked upon by Ms. Joanna Duarte and Fr. Mars as an opportunity.  Through the campaign, both parties hope to educate people about the value of voting and to inspire them to act positively on what they learn.  “We are excited to be allies in this project to provide accessible and verifiable information, helping our citizens in voter education, as well as to encourage them to go out and vote,” said Ms. Duarte.

Dev Com chairperson, Ms. Rechelle Barraquias cited the rise of information disorder online, especially on social media, and how the “Maging Magiting” initiative is critical to addressing the issue.  Ms. Barraquias said, “Now is the time to call for more a valiant, courageous, voting public - magiting.”  She adds further, “Courageous and brave not only to be critical voters, but one that also speaks and stands for the truth - veritas - from the motto of Xavier University: Veritas liberabit vos.”

Also present in the virtual MOA signing for XU were Mr. Roel R. Ravanera, VP for Social Dev, and Mr. Nestor M. Banuag, Jr., Student Social Involvement and Advocacy Program, and Mr. John Esteward Carcosia, president of the Dev Com Society.