By Czarina Agustin

“Make your vote count on May 9.”

Underscoring the importance of responsible and informed voting in the coming May 2022 Elections, Mariano Marcos State University conducted a Voters’ Education Seminar in Pinili, Ilocos Norte on April 30. 

Heightening voter awareness, especially among first time voters, the seminar highlighted the people’s right to vote and their responsibility to choose qualified and accountable public leaders.

Discussions included the right to vote delivered by Prof. Marjorie Garcia; laws governing the right to vote by Ms. Karrisa Angela Padre and Ms. Hamelidia Hera Salem; basic mechanism of voting by Mr. Eddie Boy Tyongco; election offenses and complain procedure by Ms. Ciela Marie Pacopia.

“With the election on May 9, a number of young eligible voters would exercise their right to suffrage for the first time. Voter education is needed to guide young citizens in the exercise of their political right especially amidst the rampant proliferation of election offenses that have already gained a sense of normalcy,” Prof. Weena Franco, Social Sciences chair, stressed.

Organized by the Department of Social Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences, together with accredited human rights educators, Philippine League of Society of Sociology Students, and Women’s Circle, the seminar was attended by officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan, several employees of the local government of Pinili, and interested individuals.

“We were encouraged to be more vigilant and make sure that the sanctity of our votes is preserved,” Keesha Pascua, member of the Katipunan ng Kabataan of Pinili said.

The activity forms part of the university’s efforts to forward high impact and transformative extension and outreach programs, one of the ACHIEVE agenda of President Shirley C. Agrupis. 

“We should continue to carry out extension activities that make citizens well-informed and empowered,” Dr. Agrupis said upon learning of the success of the seminar. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)