CEU Holds Youth Forum on Political Dynasties and Democratic Accountability

Centro Escolar University Political Science Society in partnership with the Association of Dentistry Students in the Philippines hosted a public forum on “Democracy in Jeopardy: How Political Dynasties Impede the Development of the Nation” at the ISC Mezzanine.

The event brought together students, faculty members, and invited guests for a discussion on the state of Philippine democracy and the effect of political dynasties in governance.

The forum featured four distinguished speakers Rep. Edgar Erice of the 2nd District of Caloocan; human rights lawyer Rep. Chel Diokno of the Akbayan Party-list; Teddy Baguilat, President of the Global Consortium for Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA Consortium) and of the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list; and Cielo Magno, economist and public policy expert. Each speaker presented their perspectives on democratic governance, legislative reforms, and the broader implications of political dynasties on national development and institutional accountability.

During the forum, the speakers discussed policy initiatives, governance challenges, and possible reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions in the Philippines. They emphasized the importance of transparency, citizen participation, and institutional checks in addressing systemic issues that affect political representation and public trust—principles aligned with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The discussions also highlighted how inclusive governance and fair political participation contribute to reducing inequalities, supporting the goals of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

The event also provided a venue for students to engage directly with the invited speakers through an open forum. Participants raised questions on pressing national concerns, including political dynasties, electoral accountability, and the role of the youth in safeguarding democratic principles. The dialogue highlighted the growing interest of young Filipinos in political participation and public discourse, reinforcing the importance of collaborative engagement between academic institutions, policymakers, and civil society in achieving SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Anchored in the belief that informed citizens are essential to a functioning democracy, the forum sought to encourage critical engagement among students and to promote awareness of the structural challenges that shape Philippine politics. By facilitating conversations between policymakers, experts, and the academic community, the initiative aimed to empower the youth to actively participate in discussions that influence the country’s democratic future.

The Political Science Society, together with the Association of Dentistry Students in the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to advancing political awareness and civic engagement within the university through academic forums, policy discussions, and student-led initiatives that address contemporary national issues while contributing to the broader goals of sustainable and inclusive development. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to promoting SDG 4: Quality Education by encouraging critical learning beyond the classroom.

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