Sulong Peace (SPI) advocates a “vote for peace” during its Piniliay KAPAYAPAAN 2022 voter education series. The Voter Ed sessions were conducted in different areas across the country. Sulong Peace partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and members of the academe. Representatives from these institutions provided correct and useful information about the elections, democracy, human rights, and governance. Sulong Peace reiterated the pressing need to consider human rights and peace in selecting the next leaders of our nation as the 2022 National Elections draws nearer. A covenant was signed by the participants in each session. The signing of the covenant was part of the effort as SPI advocates for a vote for peace in each of the areas where the Voter Education was held.
The voter education series run from March 17 to April 25, 2022 in 11 areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It was able to reach around 1000 people from various sectors, including the youth (first-time voters), indigenous peoples, women, farmers, barangay officials, and others . Part of the sessions in some areas included a dry-run of using the Vote Counting Machines (VCM) through the coordination with the COMELEC. This part of the discussion was appreciated by the participants, especially the indigenous people and first-time voters. They were able to identify tips that could help their actual voting process to be easier and hassle-free because of the initial experience and tips given to them.
This Voter Education series is part of the effort of Sulong Peace to raise the awareness of voters in selecting the most qualified candidates running for the local and national positions. It also highlighted the importance of getting to know the candidates and their priorities. It is a good point if candidates include peace in their priority agenda.