IT HAS been acknowledged that the volunteers who worked for the candidacy of P-NOY has made a difference in the last election. Their presence in all provinces, cities and towns made his campaign buoyant and well-received. They were channels of the message of the President Nonoy Aquino, with special emphasis on “a change for good governance” and “KUNG WALANG CORRUPT WALANG MAHIRAP”. His campaign’s political reach is beyond compare with his opponents. There were many groups all committed to make him win. They filled the handicap of the Liberal party’s non-presence in many areas attributed to its small number of candidates compared with the ruling party and the Nacionalista party.
Again, it has been proven what ordinary apolitical people can do when they are challenged by events after the highly esteemed Senator Ninoy and President Cory ,and committed to work for a leader they perceive to do greater good for the country.
With the election over, what now P-Noy volunteers? This is the question in the minds of these people who helped and worked hard to make his Excellency President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, President of the Republic.
What would be the role of the volunteer groups now?
The volunteers’ group work should not end with election but instead be given a marked role- “be a discerning eye and a helping arm of the government”.
One of the volunteer groups in Pampanga, that worked hand in hand with the national arms “AGUMAN” and “Citizen’s Crime Watch”, may be a show case in their work, enthusiasm and cohesion. This is the NOYPI-AKO Pampanga and NAPM Pampanga that merged to form the “Uncle Joe” and later the “PINOY PATRIOTS” who delivered the win of P-Noy in the Province. NOYPI-AKO and NAPM Pampanga were composed of 11, 293 and 6,072 registered volunteers, respectively spread in the 538 barangays of Pampanga. These groups,as merged,were spearheaded by Atty. Eligio P. Mallari, its Provincial Operating Officer, and Gerald John D. Quiwa, Co-Provincial Operations Officer.
As one shining proof of their achievements, NO genuine Liberal party Candidate won in Pampanga. But, President NoyNoy Aquino won in the three congressional districts of Pampanga – Congressional Districts 1, 3 and 4.
These groups could continuously help our new leaders with their new programs of government.
(Mr. Serrano is the chief of staff of the Pinoy Patriots. He contributed this piece to Sun Star Pampanga).