“Usaren yo dayta to question, to express your thoughts, to tell madi yo kayat nga tawiden ti conflict ken madi nga sur-suro”: Edduba urges Kalinga youth to use technology for democracy and peace

FEATURE

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A smartphone can be a camera, a source of entertainment, a classroom, or a way to stay connected.

But for Regie S. Edduba, MPA, LLB, it can be something more powerful: an instrument of democracy and peace.

Speaking during the 2026 Linggo ng Kabataan and International Youth Day Celebration on August 28, Edduba challenged young people in Kalinga to look beyond the usual uses of their phones and recognize the power that comes with having a digital voice.

“Your phone can be an instrument of democracy. Usaren yo dayta to question, to express your thoughts, to tell madi yo kayat nga tawiden ti conflict ken madi nga sur-suro.”

For Edduba, democracy does not begin and end with elections. It is exercised whenever people speak, participate, ask questions and take part in discussions that affect their communities.

And young people now have something previous generations did not—the ability to reach hundreds or even thousands of people with a few taps.

Edduba urged the youth to use that reach responsibly: learn about community issues, engage in public discussions, raise concerns, communicate with leaders, advocate for causes and help others become informed.

But having a platform, he stressed, also means having a responsibility.

Think before you tap

Social media can easily turn political differences into personal attacks. A rumor can spread in seconds, while correcting it may take much longer.

That is why Edduba encouraged young people to question what they see online before sharing it.

Who created it? What evidence supports it? What is the motive?

A few seconds of critical thinking, he said, can prevent misinformation from becoming someone else's truth.

The same principle applies when choosing leaders.

Edduba urged young voters to look beyond popularity, personalities and political loyalties and examine candidates' records, platforms and contributions to their communities.

Look beyond the name. Look at the record.

For him, that is where a smartphone becomes more than a device for consuming information—it becomes a tool for civic and democratic participation.

“When technology is used to inform, engage and participate in public affairs, that is civic participation. That is democratic participation.”

He encouraged young people to use their digital voices to push for better governance, meaningful participation and accountability—and to speak for peace.

From screen to peace

Edduba's message does not stop at democracy.

The same phone that can amplify a political argument can also amplify understanding.

A post can provoke anger. A comment can deepen a disagreement. A careless share can spread a falsehood.

But technology can also be used to verify information, listen to opposing views, educate others and encourage peaceful dialogue.

“But your phone can do something even more important. It can become an instrument of peace.”

For Kalinga's young people, Edduba's message is simple: their participation in society does not have to wait until they become leaders.

They are already participating.

They already have the technology.

They already have the platform.

They already have a voice.

The question is what they choose to do with it.

A phone can spread division or build understanding. It can amplify rumors or help uncover the truth. It can fuel conflict or carry a message of peace.

The phone is already in their hands. The choice is theirs.