Academe lauds ZSPPO for launching unity walk, bike for peace

• Source:news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371458533866/academe-lauds-zsppo-for-launching-unity-walk-bike-for-peace
• Monday, March 21, 2016

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9/ZamboSur)

PAGADIAN CITY, March 21 (PIA) – Students from different colleges lauded the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) for spearheading the unity walk and bike for peace held recently at wharf area here.

Jovezel Cañete, a senior criminology student of Western Mindanao State University- External Studies Unit (WMSU-ESU) said the activity has raised public awareness on the conduct of Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) on May 9, 2016.

Cañete said they actively participated in the activity because it is their right as voters to help the government inform the people regarding the upcoming elections.

“Gusto namo nga mahimo kami nga kabahin sa mga kabag-ohan nga mahitabo sa atong nasud pinaagi pagpili sa mosunod nga maayo ug edukado nga lider sa umaabot nga piniliay sa Mayo 9 aron pagsulbad sa mga problema ug pagpalambo sa nasud,” Canete explained.

(We want to be part of the changes that will happen in our country by choosing good and well-educated leaders in the upcoming May 9 elections, who will address our problems and steer this country to development.)

Erwin Blanco of Pagadian College of Criminology said their participation to the unity walk and signing of the ‘integrity pledge’ of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is a demonstration of their support for a safe and fair elections.

“We, the criminology students have signed the ‘integrity pledge’ to show our support in the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” Blanco said.

Meanwhile, Wowee Clemen of Yllana Bay View College said they are happy that it was not only them who signed the ‘integrity pledge’ but also the local candidates themselves.

“We are happy that the local candidates signed the peace covenant prepared by the Comelec, DILG, and PNP to avoid threats and violent incidents to happen that will affect the electoral process,” Clemen said.

The signing of the peace covenant was held at the function hall of ZAMSURECO-1 and witnessed by COMELEC officials, DILG, Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, civic and religious organizations.