UF HOPE RECONVENES FOR 2016 ELECTIONS
The 2016 National and Local Elections is forthcoming. Now, more than ever, the call for peaceful, orderly, and honest elections is a topmost priority. Thus, as a proactive response, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Social Development Council (SDC) through the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance (ACLG),has assembled the United Front for Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections (UF HOPE).
UF HOPE, a non-partisan multi-sectoral network, has been serving as an election watchdog since the 2010 Elections. It is a group composed primarily of government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academe, civil society organizations (CSOs), and security forces that is dedicated to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Zamboanga City and the region.
The press launch for UF HOPE was conducted last September 21, 2015, 1 ‘o clock in the afternoon at Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga University. It was attended by the Regional Director of the Commission on Elections, Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado; Fr. Angel Calvo CMF, President of the Peace Advocate Zamboanga; and, Dr. Grace Rebollos, Corporate Secretary of ZABIDA. There were also a strong participation from representatives of different partner organizations such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Task force Zamboanga (TFZ), NAMFREL, LENTE, D’Alert, KABALIKAT, Crime Watch Volunteer, Silsilah, ZABIDA, El ConsejoAtenista and Manos Unidos.
The highlight of the UF HOPE launching was the reading and signing of the Pledge of Commitment of the UF HOPE partners to forge a strong desire in attaining honest, orderly and peaceful elections.
