Center to educate youth on 'integrity vote'

CEBU, Philippines - Aware of that big need for more people to know “why” they should vote, a supporter of the Noy-Mar tandem vows to strengthen voters education here through the resources of the Noy-Mar Youth Center.

Edgar Coneros, executive director of the Noy-Mar volunteer group, said that amid predicaments the Philippines is in right now, their group would want to educate the electorate on three things and emphasize the need to exercise right to suffrage.

People should know “why” they need to vote. They must be provided substantial information as to their responsibilities to God, nation and compatriots by way of choosing leaders in government.

Other political aspirants claim they have the competence to end poverty, he said. “But there is a big difference between competence and integrity vote.”

“Integrity vote is more important because voters look at the values and character of the candidates,” he said.

Also, since the youth and students are most likely the ones to pass on information to their parents regarding poll automation procedures, he said that youth volunteers need to undergo orientation on the use of Precinct Count Optical Scanners.

This is the rationalé behind the creation and launch of the Noy-Mar Cebu Youth Center the other day, wherein volunteers who belong to the younger generation and other staunch supporters of the candidacy of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II for president and vice president under the Liberal Party, respectively, will have an avenue to promote voters education and discuss political agenda.

Youth volunteer Christian Cuenco, who heads the group, said that the center will help students in preparing them for the May 2010 elections through series of lectures about poll automation. The center, he said, will focus on exchanging ideas through forums to empower the youths to become informed voters.

“We want to restore people’s trust in government. And we would want the youth to be at the frontline of this endeavor because they are the ones most discerning in choosing our next leaders,” he said.

The center, which is not limited to the youngsters though, is being supported by lawyer Democrito Barcenas, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu Province chapter.

It is located on the 2nd Floor of Superior Agrivet Building along Pelaez Street, Cebu City. – Marjun A. Baguio/MEEV    (FREEMAN NEWS)