It was a brief moment on national television, but it spoke volumes. When an It’s Showtime Sexy Babe contestant openly admitted, “Hindi po ako masyadong knowledgeable sa Comelec (Commission on Elections),” it sparked a much-needed reflection. As Vice Ganda put it, the moment was bothersome.

In response, Comelec turned the moment into a learning opportunity, inviting the contestant to tour their headquarters and better understand their role, especially during elections. She later expressed her gratitude for the experience, using it as a chance to encourage fellow youth to be more informed and vote wisely.

However, did this indicate something far more profound, or was it simply an honest admission of what she didn’t know? Perhaps it's time to consider how much we actually know, given that a single viral moment can cause us to reevaluate what people ought to know.

Learning gaps are civic gaps

(Photo by Andrew Repp)

In 2022, the World Bank reported that learning poverty in the Philippines had reached 91%. Nearly nine of 10 children have trouble reading and comprehending simple texts. Many students are unprepared to advance through higher grade levels—let alone succeed in the workforce—without this crucial skill. Beyond the classroom, it affects students' comprehension and awareness of the situation surrounding the world outside.

The educational system's inclination for memorization over critical thinking and practical skills exacerbates this problem, which takes away from students' ability to think logically, a crucial component of education itself and, even more so, of civic education. Without the development of critical thinking, the youth become more susceptible to misinformation, easily swayed by biased or misleading narratives. This vulnerability compromises their ability to make informed decisions, particularly in politics, where understanding complex issues is essential for active and responsible participation.

Through the effective integration of civic education, this gap can be addressed by fostering not only critical thinking but also a strong sense of citizenship, belonging, and civic responsibility; In doing so, a well-informed populace can be cultivated. However, because it is not treated as a priority in many schools, young Filipinos often grow up disconnected from political and civic affairs.

In this digital age, many young Filipinos consider social media as their primary information source, with platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok serving as go-to outlets for the latest news. News spreads quickly: one trending hashtag, one viral moment, and an issue is suddenly at the forefront of the public conversation. But in a time of algorithm-driven content and widespread misinformation, what's popular isn't always accurate. So, while social media can amplify awareness, social media does not always bridge the knowledge gap effectively.

Information that reaches thousands can spark discussions online. Still, political discourse often risks being reduced to a cycle of misinformation, where half-truths and propaganda may overshadow critical and informed perspectives of the people. Social media creates an echo chamber that reinforces existing biases and preferences rather than challenges them.

As a result, young people's political awareness is more influenced by what they see in their news feeds rather than by in-depth research or civic education. This raises the question of whether young Filipinos actively engage with politics or simply share and scroll past it.

2025 elections: will the youth pull through?

(Photo by Aaron Favila)

In the 2025 elections, Millennials and Gen Zcomprise the majority of the electorate and their role is more crucial than ever. The question of whether they are well-informed, misinformed, or oblivious is also raised by this, which could significantly impact the whole country.

The intersection of civic engagement, voter education, and learning poverty is at the core of this problem. A significant portion of the electorate is more susceptible to disinformation, propaganda, and political disengagement if they cannot evaluate candidates and policies critically. The difficulty of cultivating an informed and perceptive voting public is even more pressing when social media algorithms control a large portion of what people see and think. Many young Filipinos might find it challenging to base their decisions on facts rather than trends or false information if they don't have a strong civic education foundation.

More importantly, being a registered voter is not the only way to engage in democracy. Understanding the responsibility and power of voting is equally important, particularly for younger generations affected by today's political decisions in the long run. They must understand the consequences of their choices before casting their ballots because they hold the power to shape governance, policies, and the country's advancement. Institutions, educators, and advocates have a chance to close knowledge gaps and guarantee that young Filipinos are politically conscious and engaged in the upcoming years.

The contestant may have laughed during her It’s Showtime moment, but the reality it revealed is no joke. It served as an unsettling reminder that many people either choose not to exercise their right to vote or are unaware that they have this privilege. Both problems indicate more serious systemic problems, which can be addressed through voter education and significant educational reforms.

Learning poverty isn't just an educational crisis; it's a political one. Aside from the recent It's Showtime issue, another example comes from a Pinoy Big Brother history quiz a few years ago, where the viral MAJOHA response became a laughing matter for some. However, that, too, revealed the same systemic issue: the youth may be disconnected from history and the recurring patterns that shape the present. This presents another knowledge gap that goes beyond simply understanding current affairs or government functions and calls for active participation in political discourse.

Anti-intellectualism also plays a role, as Filipino people sometimes perceive intelligence negatively. This can lead to a reluctance to engage in political discussions, not out of disinterest but due to a fear of ridicule or an internalized belief that one lacks the knowledge to participate. In turn, this lessens the promotion of meaningful discourse and reinforces the cycle of disengagement from civic affairs.

This is why learning poverty must also be recognized as a political crisis. Those in positions of authority can take advantage of and manipulate people when they are ignorant. Ensuring the electorate is informed is more important than ever in an era where false information spreads rapidly.

The youth have the numbers to make a significant difference. The nation's future will depend on whether they exercise this power or just allowed it to pass.