Millennials have been the subject of many articles and discussions, as everyone from behavioral scientists to millennials themselves have attempted to study and explain why they behave, think, and work the way they do. Adolescents and young adults born from 1980 onwards (as Time Magazine defines millennials) are generally deemed to have very different work ethics compared to previous generations, yet they are known to be very open-minded, adventurous, and tech-savvy.
However, most stereotypes about millennials aren’t very flattering; they’re deemed to be somewhat reckless, lazy, and spoiled. They try to get what they want in the easiest way they could. They travel a lot and like working flexible hours. Moreover, they are often thought of as being at the age wherein they are still figuring out what to do. Millennials are lost, and they tend to “YOLO” (“you only live once,” i.e. do things at the spur of the moment) a little too much, perhaps.
However, social media has also depicted millennials as being involved with, or at least interested in, relevant issues and causes, as they constantly share everything from photos of ongoing fires in the metro to links on how to help victims of natural disasters. They are a compassionate bunch, especially when it counts the most. In the months leading to the national elections, social media feeds were filled with informed and/or impassioned opinions and arguments made by millennials for or against certain candidates.
It is even more remarkable that a number of individuals from this age group have gone the extra step and have chosen to enter public service themselves, winning the majority of their constituents’ votes despite their young age and (apparent) inexperience. What follows are brief profiles of some of the millennials in politics today. With some of them being as young as 21, older people might ask themselves, “What was I doing at that age?” Or if you’re younger, “What am I doing with my life right now?”
10 Millennials in Politics to Inspire You
(All photos are from their respective Facebook public pages.)
10. Echague Mayor Francis Faustino “Kiko” Dy, 30
Kiko Dy started his political career at 27 when he was elected barangay captain of San Fabian in Echague, and despite his family’s resume (his father is Isabela Governor Faustino “Bojie” Dy III), he still ran his own campaign, consistently and warmly greeting the elders in his town with a “mano po” and high-fiving the kids. His aim is for Echague to develop in terms of infrastructure, commerce, and livelihood development—a Makati of Isabela province—and he plans to focus on his constituents’ education and health to help achieve this. In his spare time, Kiko engages in mixed martial arts to keep fit.
9. Cabugao Mayor Josh Edward Cobangbang, 21
At 21, Josh could be the youngest mayor in Ilocos’ history, winning majority of Cabugao’s votes during the last elections. Despite his young age, he is already very dedicated to serve the public interest as he expressed this in an interview with ABS-CBN. “I have lots of plans but I have to put them aside to put the public interest first,” he said. He graduated from De La Salle University at an early age of 19 years old. His plans for the town include giving farmers incentives, developing roads, improving the town’s beaches, and initiating programs for the youth.
8. Pangasinan (4th District) Rep. Cristopher “Toff” De Venecia
The only son of former House Speaker Jose De Venecia and outgoing Pangasinan (4th District Rep. Gina De Venecia, Toff is a former child star and writer/editor for such youth-oriented publications as Chalk Magazine and The Philippine Star’s “Young Star” section. He also founded The Sandbox Collective, a progressive theater group. His family decided that it was the right time for him to enter politics, with the guidance of his experienced parents. “My father was the builder, my mom was the heart. I’d like to nurture the soul of our district,” he said.
7. Bagac Mayor Louise Gabriel “Gab” del Rosario, 21
A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) president for six years, Gab took a leap of faith and ran for mayor of his hometown in Bataan, succeeding his father Ramil, crediting his positive experience in the SK, and his father’s inspiration for his choice. He is still finishing college in San Beda, and as expected, he aims to raise scholarship funds and extend grants to deserving students, as he believes that education is the best way to alleviate poverty. An all-around guy, he is also into hiking, wakeboarding, motocross, and playing the ukulele.
6. Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla, 28
The son of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla and incoming Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado, Jolo first entered the public eye as an actor, but he began his public service career in 2010 when he became barangay captain of Panapan VII in Bacoor, Cavite. He then ran as vice governor of Cavite in 2013 and won, making him the youngest vice governor in the country’s history at the age of 28.
Read on for more inspiring millennials in politics!
