Planting Seeds in Voters' Minds is Only the Beginning

Learn how Laguna-based Pastors empowered members of
their congregations to be responsible voters
By: Ruth M. Floresca

For years, election periods in the Philippines have been associated with money-making, vote-buying and cheating. Many Filipinos seem to have long accepted it as the norm. However, Christian groups such as the Christian Convergence for Good Governance (CCGG), Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), ISAAC, World Vision and other organizations refused to let these damaging practices continue to poison every Filipino mind.
Thus, before the 2007 elections commenced, these entities came together to arrive at feasible solutions. Plans were made and thousands of materials were produced. The group mainly targeted the Christian community for its initial training on Voters’ Education.

Empowering the church and the community

Early this year, CCGG started conducting a series of electoral education programs in several communities and church groups in various cities and provinces. The objective was to educate and empower community folks and church leaders in their respective roles as individual voters in the local and national elections.

As voters became bombarded with numerous television ads, posters, fliers and other campaign materials, the ability of making the right choices on who to vote for turned out to be more and more difficult. For many who had the opportunity to attend one of more of the Voters’ Education programs, words of relief and thanksgiving were expressed as they learned new ideas and principles on choosing their candidates.

Coming Together

Last May 28, CCGG conducted a focus group discussion among pastors, their wives and several senior citizens who came from various towns in Laguna. The event was held at the Christian Reformed Church in Calauan. It was heartening to note that even the rainy weather did not hinder the good turnout of participants.

One by one, the pastors shared their testimonies on how the program not only helped them see their roles as leaders of their churches but also what they could do as individuals to help bring about positive changes in the country through responsible voting.