THE JOY IN PUBLIC SERVICE : THE INFLUENCE OF THE BELMONTE FAMILY ON THE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Political families in the Philippines have become increasingly prominent, particularly in poverty-stricken areas, where they often centralize power by holding multiple government positions (Mendoza et al., 2013). Although the 1987 Constitution discourages political dynasties, it still upholds the freedom of voters to choose their leaders (Lacson, 2019). In Quezon City, the Belmonte Family has played a dominant role in local politics for over 30 years, significantly influencing both governance and youth political engagement. Research suggests that political dynasties can limit political diversity and reduce youth participation in democratic processes (Belschner, 2022). This study aims to examine how the Belmonte Family influences students in Quezon City’s Fourth District, addressing existing gaps in the literature regarding youth engagement and the effects of political dynasties. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of students in relation to political participation and the influence of the Belmonte Family. Researchers conducted structured interviews to gather in-depth insights into students’ levels of political engagement. A total of five Senior High School students from public schools in Quezon City’s Fourth District were interviewed via Google Meet. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, based on their availability and relevance to the study’s objectives. The political legacy of the Belmonte Family elicited both positive and negative perceptions among the youth participants. Many acknowledged the family's long-standing contributions to local governance, particularly through community programs and public service initiatives that have helped foster political awareness and civic engagement. However, the family's dominance in local elections also raised concerns about the lack of political diversity and limited opportunities for emerging leaders. Despite these concerns, the Belmonte Family’s leadership has contributed to increased awareness of social issues and has motivated some students to take more active roles in local politics. The findings underscore the importance of actively involving young people in politics and fostering their ability to think critically about political systems, particularly in relation to political dynasties. Such efforts are essential for cultivating a more informed, engaged, and participatory community. Additionally, the study offers recommendations for senior high school students, student leaders, teachers, first-time voters, and future researchers on how they can expand upon and build from the current research to explore further youth political engagement and the influence of political families.