Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan - Manalangin, Manindigan, Makialam

“We GH at your service”

 By Cristy Llacer-Oreta

“MAGANDANG ARAW PO.  ITO PO si Ms. Cristy na taga Gabay Halalan.Pinapaalam lang po ng Ateneo Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB)  na may libreng tulong para sa mga taong may tanong ukol sa darating na eleksyon—gaya ng paano bumoto ngayong automated na, tamang impormasyon sa iba’t ibang kandidato, atbp. Wala po itong bayad. Gabay Halalan po ang tawag. Uulitin ko lang po, gusto po ninyong malaman ang presinto nyo? Ano pong kumpletong pangalan ‘nyo, address at birthday? Sandali lang po….“ 

These were our usual lines during our Saturday duty as a Gabay Halalan (GH) tele-educator volunteer who provides relevant and unbiased information about the elections.  What a moving and meaningful experience it was being a volunteer–-time well spent, I should say.

Many of us moms and dads are not quite adept at modern technology, but we bravely took the challenge and plunged into the world of  “http//www ” and virtual assistance as cyber educators.

Amazing indeed how our young ones patiently taught and guide us to make that plunge enjoyable. The Jesuit brothers were also there to always assist us with our concerns.

Amazing indeed to be working with volunteer GH youngsters who tirelessly worked and unselfishly gave of themselves in service to our nation, making us parents proud and secure that our children will take care of and fight for country. Their selfless service here was their contribution to making a difference to effect change in our society, their persistent clamor.

The infectious energy of these youngsters made us feel young again and inspired us to volunteer to work from 9:00 PM to 12 midnight way past our bedtime.  

Gabay Halalan opened many doors. It strengthened and sealed our relationships with our children and fellow parents who were all involved in the volunteer work. It helped us rediscover ourselves and things that we can still do.  It reinforced our love for our country.

Will I volunteer for Gabay Halalan again?  The answer is Yes, I will do it over and over again.

 I had a meaningful, fun experience with the new generation and the "Tayo ang Simula ng Pagbabago" volunteer moms and dads.

  To paraphrase that popular supermarket chain employee chant: “Gabay Halalan at your service, YES!!!”

NOTE: Gabay-Halalan 2010 aimed to provide free, accessible, relevant, and unbiased information about the elections to Filipino voters wherever they are—including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Gabay Halalan 2010 handled nationwide operations with the help of volunteer tele-educators who promoted active citizenship and provided Filipinos (especially youth employed in call centers) an opportunity to be involved in the electoral and political exercise.