Did you know that the Philippines holds the Guiness World Record for the largest charity walk held in multiple venues in 2019? That was the INC Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty with over six million participants.

Filipinos are really massive when it comes to supporting a cause as in 2015 when Pope Francis visited Manila. It was one of the largest single gatherings with around 6 to 7 million attendees, considered the largest single-location crowd.

I mean we Filipinos are really competitive when it comes to beating records, right?

When people come together, surely, they can achieve extraordinary things. That is the beauty of a free country — the nation’s strength lies with its people.

Congratulations once again on the successful conduct of the nationwide peace rally by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) on 13 January. I saw with my own eyes how disciplined they were in terms of peaceful demonstrations and in making sure the Quirino Grandstand was clean after the mass gathering (I’ve seen a lot of rallies and, trust me, the places were a mess after the event; this one was different, it was well-organized). Other than the discipline, the peace rally was proof the strength of the majority lies not in the numbers, but in the clarity of purpose and unity of vision.

As we prepare to go to the polls in the upcoming midterm elections, let us not forget that every vote counts. It is a reflection of our choice of leaders for the next years. Each one of us is a part of history in the making and of shaping our future.

Whether you are an ordinary citizen, a voter or non-voter, a candidate, a simple employee, a public servant, or just a normal person minding his or her own business, you are capable of working towards making the country better every day.

Speaking of elections, security preparations are now in full swing. There are Comelec checkpoints now on the roads. Just please be patient and let them do their job no matter if we are in a rush to get to our destination.

At the major ports and harbors that serve as gateways to the islands, the gun ban is being observed very carefully. No firearms and other deadly weapons are allowed in sea travel. The Philippine Ports Authority has been actively reminding passengers to follow the Comelec’s rules on guns.

There are also Comelec checkpoints near the ports of Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, Bataan, Zamboanga del Norte, Palawan, Agusan and Masbate. This is to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the elections. So for port passengers, it is advisable to come early before their scheduled trip to avoid long lines and the rush.

As we all know, ports are the main doorways for people, goods, and information, especially during the electoral process. Ports transport election materials, workers, and ensure the safe passage of officials and volunteers, especially in the remote areas. Ports are also active in ensuring that no contraband or illegal paraphernalia will be transported even in cargo that can compromise the election process.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago reminded all port management offices nationwide to reaffirm their commitment to serving the people as ports play a vital role in the exercise of democracy, inclusivity and peaceful polls.

After all, the Filipinos are a democracy loving people and the government agencies like the ports have the responsibility of securing the sanctity of the electoral process. May each and every Juan participate to ensure that we will have a brighter tomorrow with the next set of leaders.

If we can come together in rallies, maybe we can also come together as one. We owe it to ourselves and future generations because we are all in the same boat.