With the upcoming election in May, voters are once again at inquest of the best candidates who they’ll vote for. Thus, a Candidates Forum will be tentatively staged on April 24 to provide a venue for the candidates and public to interact with each other and learn the platforms of government of the former. Said activity will be led by the Committee on Development Administration (CODA) and the Committee on Development Information and Communication (CDIC).

During the joint meeting of both committees Wednesday (April 3) afternoon, the Technical Working Group refined the activity design of said event, focusing on major concerns such as security, physical logistics, program mechanics and structure, and delegation of roles and responsibilities.

The Forum will primarily cover the province of Cagayan which includes the official candidates of both the congressional (Third District), gubernatorial and vice-gubernatorial seats. This will be participated in by students from the six identified Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Barangay Captains, regional line agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), religious sector, and media practitioners. The candidates will present their platforms of government and questions from the public shall be asked afterwards.

Purita S. Licas, CDIC Chair and PIA director, said that this will be an opportunity for the voters to choose the best candidates during the election. She also stated that this initiative could stimulate other Provinces to conduct such activities to inform and educate the voters. CODA Co-Chair and DILG Regional Director Rolando L. Rafael also stressed that the community must be mobilized as well and everyone must be enjoined to participate and involve themselves during the interaction with the candidates.