CBCP issues updated election module for youths

March 31, 2013 7:29am


With the May 13 elections drawing closer, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has given its 12-year-old modules for Youth for Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections (HOPE) a much-needed update.

The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) updated the module to help form young people's social awareness and involvement, and to aid the Church's youth ministers.

Dubbed “Kabataang Bayani: Youth for HOPE,” the module is an action guide for young people in the exercise of their right to suffrage. It "has been revised to make it more relevant and ready for use by youth ministers...," the CBCP said.

ECY said the formation program aims to bring out the “hero” in each young person.

Included in the expanded program are a formation module, and an invitation for young people to be proactive amid socio-political issues.

Also, it provides a venue for Filipino youth to become more aware of the country’s socio-political situation and make them realize their vital role in effecting change.

"The module will also help form the youth into conscientious citizens and inspire them to concretely express their love of country by participating actively and responsibly in the national and local elections," the CBCP said.

Prayer on election eve

The module encourages a simultaneous prayer service on the eve of every national and local elections, where the youth and their community at home, among friends and peers, in the parish, diocese or organization, pray for honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

The module has three workshops, the first titled “May Pakiramdam Ka Ba?” which aims to bring awareness and process their feelings regarding their experience of past elections and the upcoming one.

A second workshop, “Konek Ka Riyan!,” lets participants realize all people are part of the society and that “what we do, or do not do, contributes to the situation that our society is in” and aims to promote a deeper understanding of co-existence and co-responsibility.

The third workshop, “Vote ko ‘to,” aims to instill in young people a greater love of country.

Being promoted also for this year's election is the activity dubbed “A Candle for HOPE.” this was started in the May 2001 elections enjoining the young to light a candle at 6 p.m. on the eve of the elections to pray for honest polls. — LBG, GMA News