Beyond The Ballot: Examining Youth Awareness and Civic Engagement in a Dynastic Political Environment

Political dynasties continue to shape the Philippine political landscape, not only at the national level but also within local governance units such as barangays. These family-based leadership systems, often passed down through generations, influence the structure and function of democracy at the grassroots level. This study explored how political dynasties affect the political attitudes, perceptions, and participation of youth in Barangay 385, Quiapo, Manila – a community marked by long standing family leadership. Using a quantitative-descriptive research design, the study surveyed 50 youth respondents aged 15 to 30 years old, selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through a structured and expert-validated questionnaire, designed to assess levels of political awareness, perceptions of dynastic leadership, and patterns of civic engagement. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and weighted mean to interpret the responses. Findings revealed a range of youth perspectives – from passive acceptance to growing political awareness and critical views of dynastic leadership. While some respondents associate dynasties with familiarity and stability, many expressed concerns about limited leadership alternatives, lack inclusive representation, and the weakening of democratic participation. The study highlighted the crucial role of political education and youth empowerment in challenging the normalization of hereditary politics and promoting a more inclusive and merit-based system of governance. This research may contribute to the broader discourse on political reform by bringing attention to local-level dynamics and the voices of young people – future voters and potential leaders. This study underscored the importance of understanding how grassroots political realities shape democratic ideals and civic participation in the Philippines today.