C-Cimpel: Cebuanos are more intelligent voters

Cebuanos are more intelligent voters compared to those in other areas in the country, according to the Cebu Citizens Involvement and Maturation for People's Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) and the National Youth Commission.

During the weekly Kapihan sa PIA held yesterday at the Club Ultima, C-CIMPEL chairman Violeta Nacar said Cebuanos do not go for popularity at all but are choosing their candidates wisely.

Nacar said Cebuanos are also more particular on the individual competence and qualifications of the candidates.

This was also shared by National Youth Commission commissioner at large Mike Lopez, who said that Cebuanos are more probing compared to other voters in the country.

"They are more probing, more intelligent. They study platforms over and above popularity," Lopez said, adding that: "This shows how intelligent voters Cebuanos are and that they choose their candidates wisely."

C-CIMPEL and other groups are working closely on conducting voter's education to minimize the effect of vote buying.

Marilou Chiongbian, C-Cimpel executive director, however reminded voters to select candidates who embrace a platform that promotes good governance and human development.

The C-Cimpel is accredited by the Department of Interior and Local Government to conduct its governance and development program as well as development planning in the barangays.

It is also recognized by the Commission on Elections as an election watchdog and has been conducting a Voters' Value Formation (VVF) seminar in different parishes in the province since January.

So far, the C-Cimpel has gone through 80 percent of the 139 parishes under the Archdiocese of Cebu spread in 47 towns and six cities, including Cebu City.

During these VVF seminars, participants are briefed on the basic elements of an effective government, the duties and responsibilities of voters and elected officials and the difference between patronage and participative politics.

The group is set to begin the technical aspect of the C-Cimpel training at the end of the month. The training would include only volunteers who will be taught on poll watching, quick count and on how to man a voters' assistance center. - Jasmin R. Uy