Dumaguete: The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) of the Diocese of Dumaguete is collaborating with local schools to implement the 'Tibok Pinoy' program, aimed at educating voters ahead of the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. The initiative seeks to prepare voters on how to select the most suitable candidates.

According to Philippines News Agency, Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, who serves as the DEB coordinator and leads the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in Dumaguete, explained that the partnership with schools will facilitate the introduction of the Tibok Pinoy voters' empowerment program into their curricula and activities. Heruela emphasized the importance of integrating this program primarily into the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which targets students who have reached voting age.

The Tibok Pinoy program content will also be incorporated into classroom discussions, values education, and religion subjects. Additionally, schools will distribute both digital and printed versions of the program materials to enhance accessibility and understanding.

Heruela highlighted that the NSTP serves as a platform for tertiary students to develop civic consciousness, defense preparedness, and engage in reserved officers' training. The participating educational institutions, represented by their student governments, include St. Paul University-Dumaguete, Silliman University, Foundation University, Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria, Metro Dumaguete College, Asian College of Science and Technology, and AMA Computer College.

Furthermore, the Rotaract Young Leaders Forum is set to participate in the partnership signing event scheduled for Wednesday at the Marian Priests Center within the Dumaguete Cathedral compound. The Commission on Elections will attend the event as a witness, underscoring the significance of this collaborative effort to promote informed voting practices.