Welcome to Manila and on with the campaigning

After a long journey we finally arrived in Manila to a warm welcome from our Rotarian friends. For the first week I stayed with the Calalay family who are involved in local politics. Boyet Calalay is a Rotarian and Chief of Staff for his father Councillor Boy Calalay and his father is currently running for election to the National Congress (equivalent to our House of Commons in the UK). I’ve been helping out with the election campaign each evening after our scheduled Rotary programme of activities in some very deprived areas of Quezon City and meeting the local people.

I have found all the people here in the Philippines so welcoming and friendly, even the poorest of society who have virtually nothing are still so optimistic that they can improve their lifestyles and there is a real sense of community and solidarity among residents. These people will go and use their vote on election day because they realise the importance of casting their ballot. That is a real contrast where in the UK we get on average only 30% of people bothering to vote.

In the UK as councillors we do our best to engage voters in the local area but here in the Philippines people living in the poorer communities can really see the effects of politicians engaging with their local community with the projects that they are delivering to try and improve people’s lives. Perhaps we can learn some lessons from the Philippine people to address disillusionment with politicians at home.