Inter-Faith Blessing & Ceremonial Send-Off for 2022 Elections
The Koronadal City Philippine National Police (PNP) has teamed up with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of Education (DepEd) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct a simultaneous Inter-Faith Blessing and Send-Off Ceremony at Koronadal City Police Station Grounds with less than a week before the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE).
The said activity was staged purposely for the deployment of the security forces and those who will serve in the May 9, 2022 polls.
Spiritual leaders coming from various religious groups, represented by Imam Muhamidin Abdullah, Pastor Juanito V. Policios and Fr. Jose Custorio, have offered prayers for their safe deployment.
The PNP, AFP, Comelec and DepEd officials have shared their respective send-off messages to those who will serve during the elections. They have expressed gratitude towards each other for their cooperation and support.
PLtCol Joedy Lito D. Guisinga, Chief of Police of Koronadal City PNP, said the success of the upcoming elections will not only come from just one organization but through the collaborative efforts of different agencies that were tasked to assist this year’s national and local elections.
“Let’s do our share. As I always say, public safety and security is a shared responsibility”, Guisinga said.
The Chief of Police also acknowledged the full support of the city’s joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee to their undertakings.
“Our endeavor is not complete without all the necessary preparations. The City of Koronadal joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee has prepared, planned and had the best resources that’s why we are here and with these resources, we will be performing well for the success of the 2022 National and Local Elections”, Guisinga added.
Meanwhile, Major Erwin Villanueva, who represented Lt.Col. Zandro C. Alvez of the 5th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army, commended the Koronadal City police force in its commitment to serve during the election day. He assured everyone that they will do their best to protect the entire electorates.
“On behalf of our Battalion Commander, I would like to thank the Koronadal City Police Station for the commitment and dedicated service for this coming elections. With this level of effort from the City Police Station, rest assured that the battalion will likewise thrive to do its best in securing the people of Koronadal City as they exercise their sacred right to suffrage in May 9.”
Deputy Director Simplicio H. Macalang, Jr., representing Major Dennie M. Pajel, Director of the 1204th CDC, 12 RCDG, Rescom Philippine Army, hopes for everyone’s safety as they braved the call of duty.
“I wish you the best. You are in people’s thoughts, prayers and hearts while you are on your mission”, Macalang stated.
On the other hand, District Supervisor Elisa B. Flores, representing City’s School Division Superintendent Crispin A. Soliven, Jr., announced that DepEd, being one of the special government agencies, has set aside all other tasks and followed the mandate of the Comelec. A number of DepEd’s personnel have undergone series of trainings and seminars to dutifully and confidently fulfill their responsibilities. They are now fully prepared and ready for the coming elections.
“Ang teaching and non-teaching personnel ng DepEd ay inihanda na upang ibigay ang kagalingan at totoong serbisyo sa halalang darating. Sa tulong ng PNP at AFP, ipinapanalangin namin na ang lahat ay magkaroon ng gabay, sigasig at sigla para sa kaayusan ng halalan.”
City Comelec’s Election Assistant Emma Uy, who attended in behalf of City Election Officer Atty. Maleiha E. Usman-Loong, mentioned that they have finally come to the last phase of preparations for the election.
“I believe we have prepared enough for this elections and we are now in full swing”, Uy said.
She also expressed gratitude to the PNP and AFP for their services and support to the Commission.
“Thank you Koronadal PNP, through COP Guisinga, for being at the forefront of our security and maintenance of our peace and order in the entire duration of our preparations. His team has always been present and available and this goes true also with the AFP troops deployed in the city and in the entire South Cotabato who remained vigilant against threats that might avert the exercise of the constitutional rights of our citizens who vote for our leaders.”
As the Election Day drew nearer, they urged everyone to unite and perform well to achieve one common goal – and that is to have a safe, accurate, free and fair election.