BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Various stakeholders here strengthen their collaboration to ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) together with the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, non-government organizations, faith-based leaders, and other agencies signed a solidarity pact at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on Feb. 12, 2025.
The activity aims to encourage civic participation, ensure voter security, promote transparency, and safeguard the electoral process.
The BCPO reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining order and integrity of the electoral process.
“Let us prove once again that Baguio is driven not by discourse but by the collective resolve of its people to uphold fairness, justice, and integrity,” BCPO director PCol. Ruel Tagel said.
DepEd Baguio Schools Division Superintendent Soraya Faculo highlighted the role of education in fostering responsible citizenship and electoral awareness.
“The commitment we are taking today is part of the support that we also want our school children to be able to learn, whether they are young citizens of this country, or whether they are qualified to vote,” Faculo said.
The stakeholders also pledged to uphold a fair electoral process built on transparency and mutual respect. COMELEC Baguio Election Officer Atty. John Paul Martin emphasized the collective responsibility of ensuring a secure and accurate electoral process.
“There are plenty of things to do. With your support, we will amplify voter education, strengthen our security measures, and ensure that every vote is counted accurately and honestly,” Martin stated.
He urged Baguio residents to actively participate in the democratic process by making informed choices.
“Para sa mga taga-Baguio, bumoto nang tama, hindi ‘yung may tama. Do not be silent. You set high standards in choosing candidates. Campaign for your standard, campaign for candidates with high standards, and defend the integrity of this election,” Martin said.
He reminded everyone that the people’s choices will shape the future of the city and the nation as a whole. [JDP/GEG/Trisha Reign Batoon- PIA-SLU Intern]
