OLONGAPO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Olongapo City, Olongapo City Police Office, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Zambales Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the Department of Education (DepEd) spearheaded the conduct of the unity walk, interfaith prayer rally, and peace covenant signing for the 2019 Elections on January 13, 2019.

The activity kicked-off with the registration and general assembly at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court, West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City. It was attended by the aspirants for the Congressional Representative, City Mayoralty, City Vice-Mayoralty, and City Council posts, and their supporters.

Then, a unity walk going to Olongapo City Elementary School (OCES) followed. Upon arrival at the venue proper, interfaith prayers were offered to invoke the intercession of our Almighty Father for peaceful, honest, and safe elections this May 2019.

In Rev. Fr. John Remel M. Mara's welcome message, he urged everyone to participate in having CHAMP elections this coming May 2019 - Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful elections.

Meanwhile, Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) Director PSSUPT Benjamin D Serrano said that several inter-agency coordination meetings were conducted and will be conducted to ensure public security in the upcoming elections.

On the other hand, Atty. Marvyn Gaerlan, City Election Officer, appealed to the candidates and their supporters to always adhere to the rules and regulations during the election period. "50% of leadership is self-leadership" he said.

Subsequently, DILG City Director Amada T. Dumagat, assured the attendees that the Department supports the call for a peaceful, safe, and fair elections this 2019. Likewise, she said that the DILG will guide whoever wins in the upcoming elections for the betterment of the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

Mr. Andrew Mar Salburo from the Department of Education conveyed that they are prepared to serve for peaceful and fair elections this May 2019. He also encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote and self-actualize in choosing good leaders for the city and the country.

Candle-lighting, recital of the pledge of integrity, and peace covenant signing immediately ensued after the messages from the national government agencies' representatives.

The activity concluded with the "kapit-bisig" photo opportunity which symbolizes unity amongst the various stakeholders for the forthcoming election.