Youth leaders to protect integrity of elections

CEBU, Philippines - Youth leaders from the different parishes in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday launched “Piso sa Kabataan" and "Kwarta sa Basura" to finance activities which are designed to protect the integrity of the elections.

Herbet Remulta, youth coordinator of the project, said his group has already picked a candidate for mayor.

Remulta, however, said it will not be using the Vicariate Youth Coordinaing Center (VYCC) in its political activities. VYCC is the umbrella organization of all religious youth organizations including those in the parish of Cordova town.

"Daghan na kaayo sila ug panghambog nga naa silay scholarship program, pero nagkadaghan pud ang youth nga walay trabaho. Wala gyod namo ma feel ilang program," Alving Baring, one of the group's leaders said.

Others in attendance were Melissa Baguio, Rosalyn Rala, Arwil Igot and Esperidien Baring. They said they have asked permission from their parish priest for support and campaign for a candidate.

Remulta said his group aims to unite all youth organizations including fraternities in fund-raising campaigns.

Proceed of which will be spent for voters education seminars to be done daily in each 19 barangays in the mainland and 8 barangays in Olango island and lectures on youth's right to suffrage.

Remulta said in each barangay there are three coordinators who would lead the house-to-house collection of one peso donation. Recyclable waste is to be segregated and sold.

Remulta and his group are throwing support behind mayoralty candidate and opposition councilor Junard Chan.

"Wala mi mag dawat ug kwarta gikan sa mga politiko. We are on our own because we believe in the platform of government of Councilor Ahong Chan," Remulta said.

Chan is NP's bet for mayor who is running for mayor against Lakas' Paz Radaza and Liberal Party's Efrain Pelaez, Jr.

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