May “K” Ka Ba? was the theme of the 2010 Barangay Elections Candidates’ Forum held on October 16, 2010 at the Delaney Hall. The forum was organized by the Public Affairs Ministry to promote honest and responsible leadership and to enable the residents of Brgy. UP Campus to get to know the candidates and their respective platforms. Each candidate discussed his/her position on issues pertaining to or affecting peace and order, health and sanitation, and family and community. Take a look at what each of them has to say:

Belen Gravidez

On Health and Sanitation: The ‘From Womb to Tomb’ program will provide free check-up at health centers every Wednesday. Additional day care centers will be opened. The youth will be educated about abortion.

On Family and Community: An information campaign on Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) will be launched and free counseling will be provided to victims of violence.

Mrs. Gravidez also proposed tie-ups with various government agencies, the local government, and civic organizations for livelihood programs for the residents.

Doc Borjal

On Peace and Order: The BPSO will be front-liners. Satellites will be installed in critical areas.

On Health and Sanitation: The first step towards prevention of any illness is timely and up-to-date information dissemination.
On Family and Community: One of the ways to instill discipline in the youth is through a catechism program. In addition, bells will be installed to remind families to pray together.

Eric Encina

On Peace and Order: The main solution to the challenge of peace and order is having law-abiding citizens. A ‘K-9’ team will also be formed in every Area who will identify challenges, issues, and problems, and propose solutions relative thereto.

On Health and Sanitation: A full-service health center and ambulance will be ensured.

On Family and Community: Regular interaction among families will be held through various activities in order to promote camaraderie.
Mr. Encina committed to be a hands-on barangay captain, if elected, as well as the construction of the necessary infrastructure facilities.

Tito Pelaez

On Peace and Order: To ensure maximum performance by the BSDO, special seminars and trainings will be given to them. The benefits that they receive will also be reviewed to make sure that the benefits received are commensurate with service rendered. The trust in the Katarungang Pambarangay will be restored.

On Health and Sanitation: Proper trainings will be provided to health center workers. The garbage segregation and zero-waste management will be strictly implemented.

On Family and Community: Partnerships with the public and private sector will be formed for feeding and livelihood programs.
Mr. Pelaez’ vision is a transparent, democratic, and participative government.

All in all, the forum did not only give the residents of UP an opportunity to learn about the candidates’ platform. More importantly, it provided them an avenue to bring to the candidates’ attention the pressing issues affecting them as residents of UP. Through this activity, it is hoped by the Parish, that the constituents were informed and responsible voters. The barangay election was held last Monday, October 25 at the UP Integrated School High School building.

- By Grace Yumul and Doris Yumul