Village Elections
Our village finally elected a new set of officers. The election was last Sunday. We purposely took the time to register in the morning so that we can vote in the afternoon. Richard voted for our family (one house = 1 vote) but I was the more informed one who decided on the names.
I attended the miting de avance last Friday while Richard was in Manila for his MBA class. This was the first ever community meeting/gathering/activity that I ever attended. The whole pavilion was filled with the village people – supporters and those like me who came to know the candidates and their platforms.
It bears mentioning that this is not our village’s first attempt at electing a new Board of Directors this year. There have been elections but the results were questioned for validity and legality. Meetings have been called and I heard it really got ugly. People did not agree, to say the least. But we moved on and thus this last official election.
It is easy to not care and just let the events play out, to be on the sidelines and just hope that it works out for the best. That’s what I did for the previous elections, but I have decided to not be apathetic in this community, which is why I had to be informed and vote.
Going back to the miting de avance, it was both disappointing and encouraging. Disappointing because some candidates were not prepared to present actual plans and platforms and just focused on personal background (good but should not take 99% of the 7-minute speech) and their issues with the incumbent board. What a waste of opportunity to uplift people and incite positive change.
On the other hand, I was also encouraged by some candidates who obviously thought their programs through. There were charismatic personalities and good speakers. I’m glad I attended because I was more confident on how we voted.
But hey, guess what? When the election results were announced, there were immediately some complaints raised by the losing candidates (of course!) regarding some technicalities. While ten people were ready and willing to serve, some obviously did not consider the possibility that they would lose and be gracious about it. This village is a microcosm of what happens to Philippine national elections. It’s really frustrating.
Anyway, the Election Committee released the official communication yesterday on the new Board of Directors and that all complaints should be filed in HLURB. I hope there are no more issues so the village can move forward now.
I attended the miting de avance last Friday while Richard was in Manila for his MBA class. This was the first ever community meeting/gathering/activity that I ever attended. The whole pavilion was filled with the village people – supporters and those like me who came to know the candidates and their platforms.
It bears mentioning that this is not our village’s first attempt at electing a new Board of Directors this year. There have been elections but the results were questioned for validity and legality. Meetings have been called and I heard it really got ugly. People did not agree, to say the least. But we moved on and thus this last official election.
It is easy to not care and just let the events play out, to be on the sidelines and just hope that it works out for the best. That’s what I did for the previous elections, but I have decided to not be apathetic in this community, which is why I had to be informed and vote.
Going back to the miting de avance, it was both disappointing and encouraging. Disappointing because some candidates were not prepared to present actual plans and platforms and just focused on personal background (good but should not take 99% of the 7-minute speech) and their issues with the incumbent board. What a waste of opportunity to uplift people and incite positive change.
On the other hand, I was also encouraged by some candidates who obviously thought their programs through. There were charismatic personalities and good speakers. I’m glad I attended because I was more confident on how we voted.
But hey, guess what? When the election results were announced, there were immediately some complaints raised by the losing candidates (of course!) regarding some technicalities. While ten people were ready and willing to serve, some obviously did not consider the possibility that they would lose and be gracious about it. This village is a microcosm of what happens to Philippine national elections. It’s really frustrating.
Anyway, the Election Committee released the official communication yesterday on the new Board of Directors and that all complaints should be filed in HLURB. I hope there are no more issues so the village can move forward now.
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