UPPI Prof. Laguna highlights youth bulge, political agency at ISEAS Seminar
Dr. Elma P. Laguna speaks alongside fellow panelists and moderators during the event.
Dr. Elma P. Laguna of the UP Population Institute was one of the featured speakers at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's hybrid seminar organized under its Philippine Studies Programme, titled "From Demographic Leverage to Democratic Voice: Youth Mobilization and the Future of Philippine Politics" on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Setting the demographic context, Dr. Laguna shared that the Philippines has now reached 112.7 million, and is still growing albeit at a slower rate. For some time, the country has been experiencing what demographers call a youth bulge, a significant increase in the number and proportion of young people aged 15-24. As of the 2024 Census, almost 19 percent of the population are in this age group. In addition, the 2024 census showed that there are 82.7 million voting-age Filipinos; 26.1 million are youth voters ages 18 to 30. When viewed by generational cohort, millennial voters (ages 28 to 43) are currently 26.4 million, while Gen Z (ages 12 to 27) comprises 20.4 million, which includes first-time and eligible voters aged 18 and above. According to Dr. Laguna, the current profile of Filipino voters will ‘shape the nation,’ as the 2028 elections draw near.
In her opinion, Dr. Laguna shared that young voters are more likely to exercise their political rights when a political aspirant offers a narrative that gives them ‘the ability to dream again,’ noting that the rising cost of living currently keeps them from doing so. She also emphasized that while the personal is political—from whether to marry, whom to marry, educational or migration plans –the voters may not always link these everyday realities with their political participation.
Finally, Dr. Laguna highlighted that demography plays an important role in tracking population changes to effectively address people’s needs. The country will only reap its demographic dividend provided that the young Filipinos are well-supported through quality education, job opportunities, and comprehensive health programs.
Share