Makighiusa, Makig-lambigit, Makig-uban

The Archdiocese of Davao, through the Archdiocesan Citizens Engagement Committee (ACEComm), in collaboration with the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), launched the Citizens Engagement and Prayer for Credible and Peaceful Elections program at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto Campus, on December 12, 2024.

This orientation and launching event aimed to mobilize, educate, and train non-partisan volunteers, including students and parishioners, to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process in the upcoming May 2025 Midterm polls. Attended by students, church leaders, and representatives from different schools, organizations, and parishes in DADITAMA ecclesiastical subregion, the program emphasized the Archdiocese’s mission to champion a credible democratic process grounded in truth, fairness, and justice.

The program commenced with welcoming remarks from Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, the newly-elected president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and University President of Ateneo de Davao. In his address, he emphasized the significance of the initiative in promoting the exercise of democracy. He also pointed out the Maka-Pilipinas comics, which features the 16 good citizenship values, and stressed that students are the “prime force” behind this important initiative.

Following the remarks, the program transitioned to a presentation of the Guidelines for the May 2025 National and Local Elections and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections. This was immediately followed by a short demonstration of the Vote Counting Machine, conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Region XI. The presentation was led by Assistant Regional Director Atty. Gay Asuncion-Enumerables, with assistance from Election Officers representing Districts 1 to 3. Participants were also engaged in a hands-on experience with the new Automated Counting Machine (ACM) by voting for sample candidates through shading mock ballots.

According to Atty. Asuncion-Enumerables, the ACM has several key features, including its rapid ballot-reading capability, the use of 95 GSM ballots with precinct-specific security marks, and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256 to safeguard data and prevent hacking attempts. After the presentation of important guidelines, Dr. Jeralyn A. Palero from the Social Action Office of Holy Cross of Davao College. She explained how discernment empowers individuals to make informed and reflective choices, leading them toward social justice. In doing so, we uphold equality and dignity for all, addressing pressing issues such as poverty, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable communities, especially in Mindanao.

With the growing issue of false information, disinformation, and vote-buying in campaigning, Dr. Arwin Serrano, National Coordinator of PPCRV, led a discussion on the existing rules and regulations in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process. This included defining terms such as misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as the registration of social media platforms used by accepted candidates with the COMELEC. Dr. Serrano also highlighted the role of PPCRV through its Katotohanan (Truth), Katapatan (Honesty), and Katarungan (Justice) campaign. Following the talk, Dr. Serrano invited participants to take a pledge of truth, honesty, and justice in the upcoming elections.

Inviting participants to embrace synodality and journey together, Mr. Lunar Fayloga, Faculty of the Theology Department in Ateneo de Davao University, engaged the audience in a discussion on the role of synodality in social transformation. He emphasized that synodality aims at “church renewal” and the transformation of the people of God in all areas of life. Citing Pope Francis’ reflection on the purpose of the Synod, Mr. Fayloga applied this to the purpose of elections. He explained that elections are not merely about choosing leaders, but about “planting dreams, drawing forth prophecies and visions, allowing hope to flourish, inspiring trust, healing wounds, building relationships, awakening hope, learning from one another, and creating resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, and strengthen our hands” (an adaptation of Pope Francis’s words).

Mr. Mark Paul Samante, Director of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC), provided important insights, especially the legal foundations, while framing the discussion within Catholic social teachings. He emphasized the implication of individual involvement in volunteering, especially during elections, and outlined opportunities for engagement. In particular, he strengthened the institution’s AdDU Blue Vote, a student-led initiative that encourages participation in election-related volunteer work.

As a way to conclude the program, NAMFREL National Chairperson Mr. Angel S. Averia, Jr. imparted three profound calls to action for ensuring a credible and peaceful election: Makighiusa, Makig-lambigit, Makig-uban.

The participants concluded the launching program with the singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, followed by a Eucharistic Celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at San Pedro Cathedral. The Mass was presided over by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan, Jr., ASAC Director; Rev. Fr. Russell A. Bantiles, DACS President, and other members of the clergy. (Justin T. Felicia, Archdiocese of Davao)