DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, March 17 (PIA) -- As the 2022 National and Local Elections goes full swing on March 25, the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) of the Diocese of Dumaguete and the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its advocacy for Secure, Accurate, Free, and Fair (SAFE) and Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful (CHAMP) conduct of elections in the province.
One of their major activities is the launching of the Kasimbayanan and the Solidarity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing for SAFE and CHAMP National and Local Elections which will be held on March 18 in Dumaguete City.
Kasimbayanan stands for Kawani, Simbahan, and Pamayanan (police, church, and community).
PNP Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) Chief PLtCol. Ruben Verbo earlier emphasized that church leaders have a big role to play in diffusing intense rivalry among political aspirants, while community involvement is also important to ensure the safe and secure conduct of elections.
The activity will begin with a Solidarity Walk at 3:00 p.m. at the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish to be participated in by around 200 political aspirants and some church and youth volunteers.
The walk will pass along Cervantes St. en route to Silliman Avenue, Perdices St., E. Surban St. and will end at Quezon Park.
Supporters of the candidates are not allowed to join the walk but they can wait at the Quezon Park.
The walk will culminate with a short program at 4:00 p.m. at the Quezon Park where PNP will hold its launching ceremony for Kasimbayanan Campaign.
Other highlights of the event include the Candle Lightining and Covenant Signing for Peaceful Elections among political aspirants, and DEB member-agencies and their partners, Blessing of SAFE Pin and Pinning for PNP officers, and releasing of doves.
PNP Negros Oriental Provincial Director PCol. Germano Mallari, Philippine Army 302nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Leonardo Peña, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, and Diocese of Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes are expected to attend the activity.
Bishop Julito Cortes earlier cited the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a peaceful conduct of election.
“I pray that we will continue the work of the DEB, together with the collaborating agencies, with even greater enthusiasm and zeal towards ensuring an honest and peaceful Election 2022,” Cortes said during the DEB General Coordination meeting on March 11 at the Marian Priests Center, this city. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
