MANILA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging women to let their voices be heard in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections this May not just by voting but by running for elective posts.
DILG Officer-in-Charge-Secretary Eduardo M. Año said the coming barangay and youth polls provide a perfect opportunity for qualified women voters to show that they can make a difference in their communities by stepping up to the challenge of running for elective positions.
“Ngayong Buwan ng Kababaihan, hinihimok ko ang mga babae na panahon na para ipakita ninyo ang kakayahan ninyong mamuno sa inyong komunidad. Ito na ang panahon ng pagbabago at naniniwala ako na malaki ang maiaambag ng mga kababaihan para makamit ang tunay na pagbabago (This Women’s Month, I’m urging the women that it’s now time to show your ability to lead in your community. This is now the time of change and I believe that women can contribute big to attain the real change),” Año said.
The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 14, 2018 Barangay and SK elections is from April 14-20, 2018.
Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed that while there are more women voters, only one in five candidates is a woman.
Año said as most women are mothers who have raised their children well, they could also run their communities effectively using the same values and qualities that have helped them nurture their families.
“Naniniwala ako na marami sa mga kababaihan ay matino, mahusay, at maaasahan at ito ang mga katangiang dapat taglayin ng isang kakandidato sa darating na halalan (I believe that majority of women are upright, efficient, and credible and these are the qualities that a candidate in the forthcoming elections should possess),” Año said.
Presidential Proclamation 24 and 227, and Republic Act 6469 declare March of every year as National Women’s Month. (PNA)
