BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) kicked off its #ResponsablengKandidato campaign with the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) Forum at the University of the Cordilleras gymnasium here on Monday (July 31).
 
COMELEC-Cordillera  Regional Director Atty. Julius Torres said the activity  which was participated by prospective candidates for the 2023 BSKE, aims to enrich their awareness on elections.
 
"This will help expand our awareness on activities of the COMELEC, the do's and don'ts of the candidates," Torres said.

"Ang purpose is to educate prospective candidates’ para alam nila ang kanilang gagawin bago pa man mag-file ng kanilang certificate of candidacy, pati na rin 'yung pag-file ng kanilang Statement of Contributions and Expenditures at 'yung iba pang mga updates para sa nalalapit na barangay and SK elections sa October 30," COMELEC-Baguio Election Officer Atty. John Paul Martin elaborated.

The participants were updated on the activities  during the election period and the processes  they have to follow in filing their candidacy.
 
In a video message, COMELEC Chairman George Garcia called on the voters to exercise their right to vote and choose whom they want to lead.
 
"Malapit na po ang ating October 30 Barangay and SK Elections at dahil diyan, umaasa po kami na pupunta sa ating mga presinto upang bubuto nang tama at maghahalal ng base ho sa ating karanasan, konsiyensya, at para sa ating kinabukasan," Garcia said.
 
He also said that voters must make sure they are in their designated voting precincts and know the voting process and the right person to vote for.
 
"Ganun po kaimportante na mahalal natin ang mga taong tama. ... masigurado natin na maayos, malinis, katanggap-tanggap, credible ang ating halalan para sa barangay and SK elections. Hindi para sa akin, hindi para sa inyo lang, iyon po ay para sa kinabukasan at ikauunlad ng ating bayan," Garcia added. 

With the near start of the election period, the Regional Joint Security Control Center will be reactivated. Briefings with the concerned government agencies start August 1.
 
The COMELEC is optimistic that the Cordillera region will have a safe, peaceful, and orderly election come October 30.

Aside  from the forum, the COMELEC also held a mini-photo exhibit featuring the evolution of ballot boxes, and the diverse faces of voters around the country. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)

(Photos: COMELEC-CAR)