DR. IMELDA V.G. VILLAR, TOWNS awardee in education, 1989: Take time to listen to others’ reasons without judging or criticizing them. Patience is needed to surface their inner longings and struggles that affect their choices. When they are listened to, people will hopefully be more disposed toward discussing the merits of the candidates vis-à-vis their own longings and struggles, and the long-term effects of such candidates’ governance.
DR. CARMINA NOELA A. AQUINO, TOWNS awardee in medicine, 1998: Listen and learn about each candidate’s plan of action. Evaluate past performance. Pray! They must have experience in governance, people skills and an appropriate/adequate professional/academic background. Identify candidates with a global perspective and a local passion for excellence.
DR. VICTORIA M. ABESAMIS, TOWNS awardee in medicine, 2001: I am a physician and I have patients who have parents and other relatives of voting age and I would start with my own family. Narrow the list of candidates by choosing a set of criteria like credibility; commitment to serve in the truest sense of the word, setting aside their personal/economic motives; morality (I would automatically eliminate babaeros and lalakeros); educational preparedness (eliminate candidates for senator or congressman who have no legal know-how); and integrity (eliminate those who were involved in any anomalies, past or present).
Once I am done with my final list (it does not have to be 12), I would disse-minate it to my family, friends, pa-tients and their families, and co-workers in the hospital.
Atty. LORNA PATAJO-KAPUNAN, TOWNS awardee in law, 1995: Voting is not only a privilege, it is a duty. The right to vote is the great equalizer, cutting across economic classes, gender, age, creed. One person has one vote. We deserve the leaders we vote for and therefore must vote wisely. This means: being informed of the character, competence, courage of conviction of the candidates; casting your vote; safeguarding your ballot and ensuring it is counted.
Being a good citizen does not begin and end with voting. It means being part of the solution, not the problem. It means saying no to corruption, bribery, lying, cheating  and to all candidates who win because of these!
DR. MONA D. VALISNO, TOWNS awardee in education, 1974: Voters must be encouraged to look at the reform agenda or platform of the candidates, their track record, and values rather than the entertainment they provide during the campaign.
JUSTICE FLERIDA RUTH P. ROMERO, TOWNS awardee in law, 1974: Start within the household. Point out to them the qualifications and the public service record of the candidates, if any. Voters should use their heads and not their emotions. Start them young: educate kids on the election process by using student council elections as a starting point.
ELIZABETH P. DELA FUENTE, TOWNS awardee in tourism, 1981: I have never taken a public position on my candidates, but believe me, I always engage in lively discussions within my family, circle of friends and associates. I also make it a point to know the candidates, their track record and program of work and advocacy. Mere popularity doesn’t sway me, and I also actually ask around from people in the know. My batting average is sometimes 50/50. Some of my candidates win and many do not. I take pride in having put my vote in the box, whether they win or not. There are many new candidates this year. I will be looking at their capabilities, but I will not vote for certain candidates knowing their father or sister are already in the Senate. I am for giving new and genuine legislators a chance. I will continue to help and convince my circle of friends to choose wisely. If I have to volunteer, perhaps I’ll go the way of PPCRV, under Ambassador Henrietta de Villa. I’ve worked with her and I know she will ensure PPCRV does its share in voters’ education. I will also try to assist Kapatiran as I like their published work program.
DITAS SANDICO-ONG, TOWNS awardee in arts/fashion, 2004: For someone who is completely apolitical, I believe the best way to influence people would be to know the candidates. Judge their credibility and integrity in terms of how efficient they have served their constituents; not for their popularity but for their educational achievement and moral character.
Ambassador ROSALINDA VALENTON-TIRONA, TOWNS awardee in diplomacy, 1983: The first efforts should be toward alleviating poverty and creating a safe and peaceful environment. If people suffer from lack of freedom, from want and fear, they will not vote wisely or independently. But if they are free, they will vote for candidates who are committed to progress (economic recovery) and growth rooted in social equity and peace. The TOWNS Foundation can serve as a lobby group to get people to exercise their political right to vote, and vote for those who are genuinely committed to progress and peace.
EVELYN R. SINGSON, TOWNS awardee in business/finance, 1981: Within our sphere of influence, we should convince people that their votes elect the people in government and if they wish to have good government, they should vote for competent people who will really dedicate their careers to service. We can also show how those who got elected because of their popularity performed as public officials. We can even help them to choose the right candidates by comparing the performances of the candidates we have chosen if this means getting more votes for them.