Perceptions on Politics and Political Participation of Benguet State University Students

Abstract

The view of the youth about politics is a primary determinant of their political participation in school and their respective communities. This study determined the BSU political science students’ perceptions of politics and examined their political participation. It used mixed methods, namely interview strategy through classroom recitation and descriptive survey with 143 students. Findings revealed that students regarded politics as a democratic form of government that is supposed to act in accordance with peoples’ interests, as involving the election of famous and influential personalities, and as the primary means of solving social issues despite students associating it with negativity due to political corruption. The majority of the students were not interested in politics, and they had a negative image of politics based on how the media portrayed it. BSU students mainly engage in community politics by voting in elections and attending public meetings dealing with political or social issues. They primarily participate in school politics by attending student meetings and taking active roles in these meetings. In order to reduce political apathy among BSU students, the following actions are recommended: course facilitators of subjects that are related to politics should objectively process students’ comprehension of politics, and include research (of university issues or issues that concern the locality) as a subject requirement to foster civic and political awareness; BSU Office of Student Services (OSS) should encourage all college based student organizations to hold activities that nurture civic and political engagement, and embolden active student participation in these activities, and BSU student Commission on Election (COMELEC) and BSU OSS continue partnership to promote students’ political engagement.