The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 demonstrated its dedication to a transparent and fair electoral process by endorsing the Solidarity Pact aimed at preserving the peace and integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections.
The event was held at the Police Regional Office 8 in Palo, Leyte, and organized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on February 5, 2025, and was attended by the significant officials from various organizations, including the PNP Regional Office 8, COMELEC 8, the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV), 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (8th ID, PA), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), along with a number of faith-based leaders and stakeholders.
This gathering highlighted the collective commitment of national government bodies, religious leaders, and other contributors to ensuring peace, safety, and the proper execution of the elections.
A pivotal moment of the event was the signing of the Solidarity Pact which represents an important advancement in enhancing electoral integrity and promoting shared responsibility among different agencies and organizations in maintaining democratic values.
Atty. Remlane M. Tabuang, the Regional Election Director of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) 8 and the Guest of Honor, emphasized the significance of teamwork in facilitating a peaceful voting process.
DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe expressed strong backing for the initiative, stressing the empowering effect of the ballot in bringing about change.
"The ballot is more powerful than the bullet, but only when it is safeguarded by truth, transparency, and trust," Agabe declared.
He also pointed out that free and fair elections are essential for good governance, recognizing the crucial role of electoral integrity in the region's advancement since 2022. "As we often say in the DILG, ‘Everything is connected.’ We recognize that good governance starts at the ballot box," he further stated.
The 2025 National and Local Elections are set for May 12, 2025. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has reported that Eastern Visayas contains 13 areas classified as yellow for those areas that have experienced a history of election-related incidents, another 13 as orange for those with the presence of armed groups and organized movements outside of the law or the areas that are under significant armed threats, and one area as red, this is the area deemed most at risk due to both past incidents and severe armed threats or as they call it a critical area.
As election day approaches, DILG Region 8 is enhancing its efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process. By fostering vigilance and teamwork, DILG Region 8, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to protecting the integrity of the elections.
Photo Courtesy to DILG Region 8
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