GMA 7's 'Sa isa kong boto' election advocacy campaign kicks off

With its strength found in the most essential - trust, credibility and impartiality, GMA News and Public Affairs has been the viewing public's preferred news source especially during the most important and even trying moments, the coming elections included.

And as such, GMA News and Public Affairs, as part of the network's ELEKSYON 2007 May polls coverage and its unwavering commitment of empowering the public via its programs, has come up with a powerful series of advocacy ads which is being aired exclusively on GMA Network.

Entitled "SA ISA KONG BOTO", the commercials tell the story of four people -- a teacher, a vendor, a barrio doctor and a disabled man -- whose lives are interconnected by the problems that plague the country.

Giving extreme importance to and believing in the power of each and every vote, the "SA ISA KONG BOTO" advocacy campaign aptly convey the inspiring message that, in spite of difficulties, there is power in every single vote to change the country's future.

Conceptualized by GMA Public Affairs Program Manager Neil Gumban and was directed in turn by Monti Parungao, the "SA ISA KONG BOTO" advocacy campaign pushes voters to think hard about their choices in the coming polls.

The first plug, which started airing last Friday, features Teacher Joy who is an elementary school Filipino teacher. Joy, despite her financial difficulties and seemingly grueling everyday task of teaching more than a hundred poor children all crammed up inside a small classroom, remains positive that by casting a wise vote there is still hope for her and the country through the coming elections.

"Sa darating na eleksiyon, sisiguraduhin kong mabibilang ang ating mga boto. Umaasa pa rin ako na sa pagpili natin ng tamang mga lider, magbabago ang takbo ng buhay ko, ang buhay ng mga estudyante ko at ang takbo ng palakad sa bansang ito. Magsisimula ito sa isa kong boto.", says Teacher Joy.

Set to air in the coming days, the second plug features the story of Aling Roda, a 50-year old "takatak" - roving cigarette vendor. "Ako si Roda Alano. Isa akong tindera. Isa rin akong ina…", shares Aling Roda. Her son, Jun, also a "takatak" himself, is a victim of injustice after being arrested by mistake for allegedly stealing a bag. Aling Roda tried to talk to the authorities - the police and even their town mayor, but all her efforts were to no avail. She can only hope her cry for justice will be heard through her one vote.

And as Aling Roda puts it, "Sa darating ng eleksiyon, sisiguraduhin kong maririnig ang aking boses. Hindi lang para sa aking anak, hindi lang para sa akin… pero para sa lahat ng mga mahihirap at naaapi. Alam kong hindi agad magbabago ang lahat… pero sisiguraduhin kong ito ang simula… sa isa kong boto."

Be sure to catch the next two installments of the advocacy series that are set to be unveiled as the election season unfolds. Listen to the characters' stories and be inspired by their same belief: "magsisimula ang pagbabago… SA ISA KONG BOTO".