17/05/2025
๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ | ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฝ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ: ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ผ๐'๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐
By: Novemae M. Dandoh
Photo Courtesy of Akbayan Partylist
"'Pag mahal mo, Akbayan mo!" Tunay ngang inakbyan ng kabataan at ng taong bayan ang progresibong pagbabago.
Not many anticipated it, not even Diokno, Chel. But as the numbers rolled in, the unthinkable happenedโAkbayan, long dismissed as a fading progressive voice, emerged and triumphed as the frontrunner in the 2025 party-list elections. Once sidelined in Congress, Akbayan is now at the top of the 2025 party-list raceโa dramatic shift for a movement many thought had seen its last political moment and ought to perish. So, what
changed? The public, the times, and perhaps, Akbayan itself.
Indeed, this victory isn't just a political comeback from their loss in the 2022 election, it's a reflection of a broader movement. Fueled by hopeful and energized youth, progressive advocates, and a new generation of voters fighting against traditional politics and propaganda, Akbayan's success shows that reformist voices still have a place and power in Philippine democracy despite the false narrative and cases of red tagging on its supporters.
Founded in January 1998, for over two decades, the Progressive Party has remainedsteadfast in its support for human rights, social justice, and accountable governance. But in recent years in the political arena of the Philippines, the party had been overshadowed by larger, more traditional political organizations. With political dynasties and populist politicians solidifying their hold on power, its impact appeared to decline. Despite these long-withstanding obstacles, Akbayan never gave up on its goal of promoting a more democratic and inclusive Philippines.
Akbayan tapped into a surge of youth support, reviving its grassroots networks, and reshaped its message to focus on the pressing concerns of Filipinos. Akbayan rallied university students, and young professionals through campus forums, usage of social media campaigns, and volunteer programs. The results were immediate. As election day neared, it
became clear that the people and the youth were ready for change.
With over 60% of youth participating in this year's election, the party was able to utilize this shift in the voter's landscape. With their ability to harness the energy and hopes of the younger generation, it gave them the edge in this election. For the youth and the young voters, Akbayan wasn't just another political party and entityโit was a symbol of hope for a more just and transparent Philippines where grassroots networking was revived and genuine support from the youth and local volunteers was felt.
"Personally, their victory made me genuinely hopeful and inspired. It felt like finally a long overdue step in the right direction a sign that change is not just possible but already beginning", said Cymon, a 19-year-old political science student from Western Mindanao State University. His words are a reflection of how the youth today are filled with hope and
are ready to take part in the change that Akbayan is actively striving for.
Reclaiming and pushing for a people-centered leadership, Akbayan has successfully garnered votes enough to have 3 seats in Congress. As a third nominee, an alumnus of Western Mindanao State University, and a graduate of the program Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Dadah Kiram Ismula has made it to the Congress. Her participation during
the campaign period of Akbayan Partylist has prompted and encouraged the youth of Zamboanga City to participate and push the Partylist for a 3-seat acquisition in the Congress. The pride of the Indigenous people of Zamboanga City, Ismula advocates for strengthening of the IPRA Law and NCIP, fighting for rights in regards to Ancestral Domains, Education, and
Health for the youth belonging to Indigenous communities, and Peace and Progress in IP communities. Championing the voice of her people through Akbayan Partylist, her dedication to serving and inspiring young people has truly made her an icon.
With Dadah Kiram Ismula as the third nominee of Akbayan, she is joined by Atty. Chel Dioknoโthe first seat nominee, and Perci Cendaรฑaโthe third seat nominee of Akbayan. In addition to Dadah Kiram Ismula's commitment to advancing legislation that addresses systemic inequalities and uplifts underrepresented sectors, we have Atty. Chel Diokno
focuses on strengthening the justice system, promoting human rights, and ensuring fair labor practices and Perci Cendaรฑa for better mass transit accessibility, calling for improvements in the country's public transportation system to make it more inclusive for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income commuters.
Their grassroots approach, paired with a clear message of reform, connected with young voters who felt excluded from the political process. In a country once dominated by traditional political parties led by powerful families, Akbayan's rise signaled a shift and a potential break from the broken system of the Partylist system here in the Philippines.
"Ang dami naming gustong gawin pag dating sa ating kabataan, pag dating sa iba-ibang sektor. Ang magiging ng isyu nalang namin diyan, alin ang uunahin namin pagbukas ng Kongreso", said Diokno in an interview with ABS-CBN. These remarks mark only the beginning of Akbayan and their journey in Congress. "The real victory is not in winning the election, but proving that Filipino people still believe in a progressive and people-centered leadership." Despite, the losses and the uphill battle for this election, Akbayan turns the page to its next chapterโthis time, now written with the voices of the youth and public behind them.
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