Artists, songwriters create album to urge Filipinos to vote better leaders in Eleksyon 2022

A group of artists, songwriters and instrumentalists created a collaborative music album titled, "Tayo ang Tugon" to empower Filipinos to vote for leaders that they deserve in Eleksyon 2022.

The Musicians for Democracy (MD) recorded songs that tackled a wide range of issues including deteriorating human rights situation, worsening poverty, failed government efforts in the pandemic, corruption, political dynasties and  Chinese vessel incursions at the West Philippine Sea, and the destruction of the environment.

Tayo ang Tutugon will be launched on November 10, about six months ahead of the 2022 national and local elections.

Artists featured in the album are Nathan Abella and Rey Abella, Skarlet Brown, JL Burgos, Pendong Jr. and Chat Aban, Gising Diwa Collective, Rom Dongeto, Village Idiots, Santy Leonardo, Bong Ramilo, Talahib People’s Music, Sam Valdecantos, Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera, Kat Darling and Marben Romero, and MD Core Group.

“MD believes that these are important and urgent issues that should be discussed by candidates and the electorate during the election campaign. We wish to lend our voices and our talents towards ensuring that these issues continue to be highlighted,” said MD Coordinator and Child Rights Network Convenor Romeo Dongeto during an online forum

Rio Magpayo, coordinator of iChange, the group that also helped in the album, said the songs also demand lasting change from the government.

With the new songs, We Effect Executive Director Jessica Soto, who also helped in making the album, said they aim to remind people that the 2022 elections will be "a very important occasion for people to exercise their right to choose deserving leaders in government."

“With the burgeoning disinformation campaign that has long been exposed as government-instigated, it is time for the people to take back the narrative. The May 2022 polls is a crucial event that will affect the country’s future in the face of the worst economic downturn since World War II, failed government pandemic response, and widespread corruption and inefficiencies in government. We cannot lose sight during this crucial moment,” Soto added. — LA, GMA News