Dilaab Movement launches election campaign

CEBU, Philippines – The Dilaab Movement yesterday launched its own election campaign through the “Pwede Pala Pinoy!” project to encourage youth involvement in the 2010 elections.

“Pwede Pala Pinoy!” is the campaign phrase used by Dilaab to articulate its mission to ignite spaces of hope among Cebuanos and Filipinos. Dilaab believes the youth can shape next year’s polls significantly, considering that the sector comprises 33 million or about 60 percent of the total number of voters in the country.

Along this line, Dilaab believes the “Pwede Pala Pinoy!” campaign is a way to “remind, inform, and guide the youth to exercise their right to suffrage and cast an independent and informed choice.”

“I challenge the Comelec to make the registration venue appealing and accessible to the youth,” said Maren Cogtas, 17, a volunteer of the Dilaab Movement.

Robbie Quiñio of the University of Cebu Law Department said the automated system for next year’s elections would help provide convenience “for as long as it takes away doubt and will be free from manipulation.”

Meanwhile, Youth Vote Philippines-Cebu representative Cherry Faith Brigole expressed disappointment over the low outcome of the “Walk to Vote” the group initiated last May 2 after only 60 individuals participated. She, however, said Youth Vote will be partnering with more youth organizations to expand its network. - Ana Coritha Desamparado/JMO (THE FREEMAN)