DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental — Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete has exhorted the candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to focus on the needs of their constituents in the communities, especially the poor.
“Elections are opportunities for renewal, for change hopefully for the better and of growth in the community and society,” Cortes said in his message as guest speaker for the peace covenant signing on Wednesday evening.
“The elections are inspiring moments in the life of the community because it awakens in the people the aspiration to do good for others and the longing to contribute to the welfare of the community and of the country,” he said.
The prelate also reminded them to commit themselves to honest, orderly, peaceful and truly participatory elections, as they participate in the covenant signing.
Cortes said he would pray that the voters would discern the good qualities of candidates and choose them “as the one to lead and shape the lives of your respective communities.”
“Any why we, all of us, may be divided by our political affiliation, I implore the Lord that we shall always be one in facing the common good in this forthcoming elections,” Cortes said.
Hundreds of candidates for various posts at the barangay and SK levels here have pledged to support and cooperate with authorities for clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections on Monday.
They signed on Wednesday the pledge of commitment, and lighted candles and sung the Prayer of St. Francis for peace.
The candidates signed the peace covenant, initiated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Diocesan Electoral Board of the Diocese of Dumaguete, in a brief and simple ceremony at the gymnasium of the Dumaguete City High School in this capital. (Mary Judaline Partlow/PNA)
