| Likewise, the incumbent mayor of Tulunan, Hon. Lani S. Candolada expressed her gratitude for becoming a part of the event that pushes for education to be at the top of any candidate's political agenda. She enumerated the municipality's accomplishments on the seven (7) sectors and concluded with a message that they will continue what they have started and shall include the education needs of three (3) additional sectors, specifically the teenage mothers, child laborers and persons with disabilities.
The congressional aspirant Atty. Gregorio Andolana, a nominee for A-IPRA Party List emphasized that as an experienced Congressman he shall continue his effort on seeing to it that education would get a higher chunk of the national budget than the defens budget. The electoral candidates of local government units of Datu Paglas, Columbio and Kabacan also expressed their commitment to invest more on school infrastructure and welfare of teachers.
Local media groups also raised public awareness on the importance of the forum. The DXND, which is based in Kidapawan City made announcements regarding the Peoples Voice and its purpose before, during and after the event; Charm Radio also included this event in its live interview and regular news; while a Gen. Santos City - based local radio station, the ABS-CBN Cotabato (TV Patrol Central Mindanao) and a writer of the GMA Saksi covered it.
The People's Voice is a joint activity of E-Net Philippines and University of Southern Mindanao-Extension Unit Services, Task Force Food Sovereignty and other local NGOs so that the voices in education of ten (10) marginalized sectors be heard by the future leaders.
Mr. Addie T. Unsi, the E-Net Project Coordinator for Partners in Education for Community Empowerment (PIECE) Project noted that the year 2010 is not only one of the biggest political exercise in the whole country but also a crucial year in achieving Education For All by 2015 as promised by the Philippine Government; emphasizing the need for a leader with a big heart and commitment in establishing a system fit-for-purpose of driving an ambitious effort to put education back at the top of political agenda. He further stated that the elected local legislators and executives that will govern for the next three years can make changes in the poor access to quality basic education to achieve education for all targets for the ten marginalized sectors
Dr. Alimen Sencil, the Executive Director of USM-Extension Unit Services challenged all the electorate to work closely with their local leaders to monitor this commitment for education and ensure that everyone will have access to education.
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