MISSION 10 by 2010

"It was an achievement in itself that elections were held on May 14, 2007. But given a climate of social distress and hopelessness, the challenge was how to restore credibility to the electoral process as a core democratic institution for resolving political conflict, and how to get the citizenry, especially the youth, to become politically engaged."

(CBCP Pastoral Statement on the 2007 Elections, July 8, 2007)
The bishops have emphasized in their recent pastoral statement that there is a continuing challenge to rebuild trust and credibility in our electoral and political institutions. Part of the challenge is for us to create a space for politics that goes beyond personalities, money power, patronage, and coercion toward one that is based on principles, programs, and venues for constructive and popular participation that would truly serve the common good and foster hope to our fellow Filipinos.

There is no other way to achieve this and to counter hopelessness and social distrust in our democratic institutions but to be politically involved. It is in this context that Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) is launching MISSION 10 by 2010.

It presents the wide-range of options for political involvement where we can be actively engaged from 2007 onwards to 2010 and at the same time, bearing in mind the importance of ensuring a clean, honest and peaceful Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this October 2007and
the ARMM elections early next year.

10 by 2010 has the following objectives:
1.To prepare the people, especially the electorate, and partner with credible organizations in preparation for the 2010 presidential elections and beyond
2.To promote pro-active political engagement to restore trust in democratic institutions and generate hope in socio-political change
3.To protect the sanctity of the electoral process

10 REASONS why we need to get involved in 10 by 2010

1.The future of our democracy is at stake.
2.This is a fresh opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and to resolve critical issues.
3.There is a necessity to be vigilant and to protect the integrity of the electoral and political processes.
4.There is a great need to rebuild the trust in democratic institutions and processes and to generate hope in the realm of socio-political change.
5.There is a pressing need to authentically counteract social distrust and hopelessness.
6.Every right that we have is coupled with a corresponding responsibility.
7.Getting involved is our way of remembering and honoring those who defended the sanctity of the ballots even to the point of death.
8.Inaction contributes to the whole problem and it only emboldens the oppressors.
9.We need to be united and help one another so that our voice and force will be stronger.
10.Effective social transformation needs to start from us – the people.
(kuha sa:www.abs-cbnnews.com/.../06-27-2007/oped.jpg)
10 ACCOMPLISHMENTS that should be in place by 2010
1.Held those responsible for anomalies in the past elections accountable to the people.
2.Revamped, professionalized and depoliticized COMELEC
3.Modernized electoral system
4.Paid a special attention to ARMM and the problem of warlordism
5.Reviewed electoral laws and installed the needed reforms
6.Developed mechanism that entrenched a deeper political education of voters, fostered public accountability of politicians, encouraged civic participation, and sustained a coordinated political action among the youth, civil society groups and Church-based organizations
7.Cleaned the voters' list
8.Encouraged people especially the youth to register in order partake in the elections.
9.Created avenues for constructive political engagement.
10. Propagated the message of hope by showcasing individuals and groups who concretely help our country in various capacities.

10 OPTIONS for Involvement through SLB programs
Political Education:
1. CGE: Citizenship by Good Example
2. Pinoy Voters' Academy (Brgy. Edition, ARMM Edition, 2010 Edition)
3. Kwentong Bayan
4. Gabay Halalan
Research and Publication:
5. SiLBi Newsletter
6. Electoral Reforms
Community Organizing and/or Mobilization:
7. Bantay Pangako
8. Disenfranchised Voters
9. Reg2Vote Campaign
10. SLB Volunteer Program
For inquiries about MISSION 10 by 2010 or if you want to volunteer, you may contact

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN
Landline: (02) 426-6101 locals 3440-3441, Telefax: (02) 426-5968,
Hotline: SUN-8600-SLB (0922-8600-752), Email: slb@admu.edu.ph,
Web: www.slb.ph, http://simbahanglingkod.multiply.com Or visit us at the Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University Campus, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
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