Vote 'Patrollers' in Mindanao: Agents of change

MANILA, Philippines - The July 29, 2009 Grand Launch of “Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo: Ako Ang Simula!” in Cagayan De Oro was both phenomenal and electrifying.

It was a phenomenon because, for the first time, we saw a sea of young people come in and out of the ABS-CBN station’s compound with zeal and enthusiasm, raring to be an agent of change. The mood was so festive.

Students and young professionals from Bukidnon to Lanao arrived, jubilant, as early as 3 a.m. and signed up to be Boto Patrolers. The youth from different cultures and traditions came as one with one aspiration: they want to change society by changing themselves.

As I hopped from one group to another, and chatted with them, I was so moved to see and hear young people talk about change, particularly the Muslim youth who crave for transformation and want to put an end to vote-buying and electoral fraud. I became teary eyed listening to their dreams. I told them that we are one with them.

Most of them brought extra clothes and food, and were willing to stay even if it rained, to convey the strong message of positive change and hope to Filipinos. Not even bad weather would stop them from becoming a Boto Patroler!

The success of the Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako Ang Simula launch in Cagayan De Oro did not come easy. I had to convince all of my colleagues about the value of the campaign. I heard sarcasm and criticism in “silence.” So there needed to be days of “tilling the hard ground” until their hearts became soft and ready to receive the message. And it happened.

Unless our own people will realize the essence of Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako Ang Simula, they will not pour their 100 percent into it. And for the first time in the ABS-CBN Regional News Group — Northern Mindanao Station’s history, the entire team worked for free.

The concept is so simple. Since we are asking - our viewers - to volunteer, we also have to sacrifice our own time, money, and effort for this endeavor. If we miss the real meaning of Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako Ang Simula, then our viewers might also miss the whole point of doing it.

We consider it a mission, to use the BMPM vehicle as a tool for changing the country for the better. A mission that is both personal and corporate.

After we delivered a live report on Channel 2’s “Bandila” and wrapped up the day, we were all shouting for joy. We did it! All the employees and volunteers were embracing one another, giving “high-fives,” and “thumbs-up” signs for a job well done! Despite the lack of sleep preparing for the event, we were revitalized, our energy renewed.

After launching here in Cagayan De Oro, we plan to launch Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako Ang Simula in Iligan in September, Butuan in October, and Dipolog in November.

The time for change has come.