The Ministry for Social Action in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan through the KAANTABAYAN (Kabataang ANTABAY ng Sambayanan ng Diyos) of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting – Pangasinan Chapter (PPCRV) conducted a massive Voter’s Education Campaign to advocate responsible voting to PSU students last March 1 held at the PSU covered court.
PPCRV through its “One Good Vote” ensures the conduct of a Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful elections otherwise known as CHAMP elections. PPCRV visit campuses to empower and raise awareness to the youth in exercising their right to vote in the coming election but also to offer it to the Lord for a renewed and progressive society.
Members of the PPCRV spearheaded the said campaign. Janice Hebron explained the “Youth for CHAMP Elections” and highlighted why the youth’s vote mattered in shaping the future of the country. On the other hand, Marlo Artacho shared insights on the “One Good Vote” in empowering the youth to monitor and evaluate officials based on their performance while the automated elections guideposts was discussed by Gerenerio Rosales.
Moreover, a holy mass transpired after the campaign presided by Archbishop Socrates Villegas. During his homily, he urged the students to act proactively on matters that concern them and the country.
“Sa darating na May 9, matuto tayong makiramdam. Pakiramdaman natin ang pulso ng nahihirapan, mga iyak ng batang gutom, mga mangingisda na nauubusan ng nahuhuli. Kung umiiyak sila, sana matuto din tayong umiyak kasama nila,” emphasized Archbishop Villegas.
Villegas also reiterated that a true Christian knows how to care and not only demands to be cared. “…sapagkat ang kristyanong walang pakiramdam at walang pakialam ay patay,” he added.
Furthermore, Archbishop Villegas led the signing of commitment on the One Good Vote Freedom wall right after the holy mass together with the members of the PPCRV, PSU officials, faculty, non-teaching personnel and students.
PPCRV is a non-partisan organization mandated to ensure that the Philippine elections will remain fraud-free. It also encourages the youth to be volunteers in the poll-watching, voters’ assistance, assisting the Board of Election Inspectors, protecting election returns, monitoring electoral exercise, and in watching the canvassing of votes.