BEING a citizen of a country, we have certain rights and privileges. We also have responsibilities in order to contribute in making a positive change. One of these rights, as well as responsibilities, is to vote for the people who will work with us, listen to our needs and the needs of the society, and put those needs into policies and laws.

In the past, many have fought and died for our right to vote. For one, women could not vote for many years because they were not considered an important part of decision making.

In the Philippines, the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections is as important as the Presidential election, given that the barangay is closes to the citizens and can more effectively respond to problems such as peace and order, environment, and even livelihood training of their area. Even though considered as the smallest unit in the government, collectively the barangays may just as well do the same level of service to its constituents.

Here in the United States, citizens are also being called out to exercise their right to vote on November 2. Much more, we urge you to support our fellow Filipinos/Filipino-Americans who are running in their respective positions and/or districts. Filipinos’ participation in mainstream politics have been so insignificant that we need more awareness that supporting our candidates can help us considerably.

Samuel Adams, American statesman and one of the founding fathers of the US once wrote, “Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual – or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”

We, as a people should stand together and recognize the significance of our votes. The government represents the people and that they are employed by the people. All policies are made by the elected officials, the people we choose to vote into office. In the end, all policies affect each and every one of us. We all have a duty to vote wisely. It may be just one vote for us, but it is a right given to us – a privilege too, to be able to make the world a better place for the next generations. (AJPress)

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( Published October 27, 2010 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A6 )