The Words of the Castro Family |
Unificationists Support JDV Campaign In Pangasinan
Melchor Castro
May 12, 2007
May 7-12, 2007 at the height of election campaign, the Unificationist group gathers around 200 core-members and leaders with 15 cars and mobilized the whole District IV of Pangasinan in support for Speaker Joe de Venecia for his 3rd term as Congressman in the 4th district of Pangasinan which covers the City of Dagupan and 4 other towns like Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto and Manaoag.
Before this event, our Continental Director Dr. Julia Kim, visited the Philippines and encourage our leaders to give our support to Speaker De Venecia because he helps a lot in the providence. First, he became the very instrument in dissolving our case and persecution in our country. Second is the advancement of the Interfaith Dialogue at the United Nation. And sooner the creation of Interfaith Council at the United Nation that has been a long desire of our True Parents. Therefore, he must win the election to continue his mission in God’s providence for the Nation Philippines and for the World.
Dr. Kim emphasized that whatever the result of the election. The important thing is that Speaker could be able to recognized our movement as his supporter and in times of his needs he could also rely on us as representative of True Parents.
After a short meeting with national leaders, Dr. Michael Zablan, UM Philippine National Leader leads the way to Pangasinan together with Atty. Dr. Celso Talaba, VP for Legal Affairs and FFWPU Presidents, Dr. & Mrs. Jaime Vergara and other Executive and Regional Leaders.
On the 1st day, May 7 the group gathered in front of the house of Speaker in Dagupan and offered our full support to him. Speaker De Venecia and his wife were over-whelmed with gratitude for our generosity. Dr. Zablan said that he don’t need to worry on our accommodation and food because we can manage ourselves. The only needs are the campaign materials and uniforms for our members. Then, immediately, Speaker called his secretary to provide whatever the things we needed and even food for our members. Dr. Zablan also said that we are volunteers from all over the country, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 150 from other places and 50 people from Pangasinan. Aside from manpower, Dr. Kim would like to offer some substantial amount for his campaign. The more Speaker became so happy and even boast to his other companions present there who we are and our mission to support him is not expecting anything in return. Unlike most of the people there, who came just to get something even without doing anything to Speaker De Venecia.
The nephew of Speaker, Alex De Venecia, who is also running for re-election as City Councilor requested 2 volunteer staff to work in his office. Immediately, 2 members raised their hands and pack their things to stay in Kuya Alex’s house.
The Mobilization went on and on smoothly and everyday our spokespersons, Ate Dulce, Ma’am Angel Lorenzana and Kuya Ryan, reporting what are the feedbacks of the people and necessary materials for the campaign. One Team was also formed led by Melchor to support their office in cutting the flyers and sample ballots. The campaign material coordinator was also inspired because she can see the difference in our work. "They work so fast and more accurate unlike the others, very slow and many damages even if we pay them." say’s Ma’am Ina.
We can say that our campaign created a great impact to the places where we went because we are the only group who could go to remote places in convoy of 10 to 12 cars. Some thought that Speaker De Venecia is with us because we are so many and we do house to house, person to person and encourage them to vote for JDV. Surprisingly, most of the places we went through were all on the side of JVD. Some even said that you don’t need to campaign for JDV in this place because we’re all solid for the Speaker.
One issue was raised by the other side for the disqualification of the speaker as candidate. He was accused for vote buying because of the accidental insurance worth 100,000 pesos for the members of his Party, Lakas CMD – Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrat. But the other side is also exposed in his distribution of canned goods and rice to the people. His opponent is an incumbent Mayor of Dagupan City, Mayor Benjie Lim. Now running for Congressman. However, according to Comelec, that allegation was dismissed because of lack of evidence and only those members were given a chance to have the insurance.
On the 6th Day May 12, last day of campaign, JDV requested our Team to join him in motorcade. As early as 8:00 the group tour around Dagupan, Mangaldan, then pass thru San Fabian, San Jacinto and Manaoag. It was the longest motorcade ever in Dagupan. Speaker was so happy and inspired to join us. It ended around 2:00 p.m. so we proceed to his house and took our lunch.
In the afternoon, everybody requested to have an outing before we go back home in Manila and respective places. Ate Shirley granted our wish and everybody was so happy and plunged to the beach with matching Videoke and bountiful dinner.
We have a memorable experience in Pangasinan. Since this is our first time to campaign as a group, it was an exiting mission. Maybe, Heavenly Father gave us an experience in preparation to welcome True Parents in the Philippines in a nationwide campaign.
Mansei to Speaker De Venecia!
By Melchor Castro
Familytimes