Influence of José Rizal’s Teachings on the Voter Preferences of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Students at Quezon City University
Ann Kayla A Borja*, Renzel T Homo, Ann Marveth B Odias, Christine Angelica D Perez and Ramil T Sillar
ABSTRACT
This study examines how the teachings of Dr. José Rizal influence the voter preferences of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education students at Quezon
City University. As Rizal’s ideals on integrity, education, nationalism, and civic responsibility continue to shape Filipino values, this research investigates the extent to which these principles are reflected in students’ political considerations. Forty (40) respondents participated in the study, selected through
purposive sampling. Only students who had completed courses on Rizal’s life and works and were eligible voters were included, ensuring that participants could meaningfully reflect on the influence of Rizal’s teachings. The researchers focused on Quezon City University due to its strong emphasis on civic and values-based education, and because conducting the study during a non-election period allowed the assessment of students’ perspectives without external political pressures. Using a mixed-methods explanatory design, the study employed quantitative surveys to identify patterns in voter preferences, followed by qualitative interviews to better understand the reasoning behind these choices.Findings indicate that students commonly prioritize moral integrity, educational background, and nationalistic qualities when evaluating political candidates—traits that resonate with Rizal’s advocacies presented in works such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These results suggest that Rizal’s teachings continue to shape the ethical and civic perspectives of youth, particularly among future educators.Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening civic and citizenship education within teacher-education programs, expanding platforms for political literacy, and integrating Rizal’s values into discussions on democratic participation. While the study highlights the relevance of Rizal’s ideals to student perspectives, it does not attempt to predict overall voter behavior, recognizing that political choices are influenced by multiple factors.
