E-CHAMP set for 2016 poll

The Davao Association of Catholic Schools, Inc. (DACS), who started the initiative for peaceful and credible election in 2013 for the four dioceses — namely Archdiocese of Davao, Diocese of Digos, Diocese of Tagum, and Diocese of Mati — continues and amplified its mission and campaign for an Election that is Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful or also known as Operation E-CHAMP.

Over 54 million of registered voters are expected to cast their votes this May 9, 2016 polls for national executive, legislative and local government positions. Media platforms are now filled with campaign ads and an array of information about the various candidates. Multiple surveys are being released on who is leading and who is in the hindmost. Aside from the crucial decision-making of selecting the right officials for the various positions, E-CHAMP coordinator, Fr. Kim Lachica, SJ, urges the citizens not just to cast their votes for the right persons, but also they must be vigilant enough to secure their votes against fraud-related election activities.

According to E-CHAMP secretary, Ms. Cindy Senate, as of this month of April 2016, prior to the Election Day, they already have 2,800 and counting number of volunteers who will be delegated to various polling precincts in the region and conducted political education to the DADITAMA region that are under their scope. The group also partnered with Commission on Elections (COMELEC) last April 20, 2016 for a mass training on how a VCM or Vote Counting Machine works, especially with its latest enhancements and additional feature such as the printing of election receipt to prove to the voters that their votes have been counted.

As to final preparations, the DACS will have their final E-CHAMP Command Conference and Media Forum with officials from COMELEC, PNP, AFP, DADITAMA, DepEd- BEIs, and Media representatives this April 29,2016, 9:00 -11:00 AM at the Ateneo de Davao University. This will be followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the San Pedro Cathedral that will be presided by the Archbishop of Davao, Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD. The said Eucharistic celebration will be offered for this year’s clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful election. (Jecy Opada)