Election 2013 Hero

John Michael Serenio is our Election Day hero.

John Michael, born with a growth hormone deficiency, is a Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting volunteer and pollwatcher stationed at the Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Bacolod City.

Sitting and moving on his wheelchair, he is there at the PPRCV command center with young people, who are also members of the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Brgy. Lopez-Jaena, Bacolod City.

Yesterday, John Michael woke up at 5 a.m., proceeded to the PPCRV command center inside the Lopez-Jaena ES, and diligently guided voters to their polling places.

He said he is aware of the many abuses during elections, like vote-buying, vote-switching, violence, intimidation and even doubts about the PCOS machines, and stressed his physical condition will not hinder him in guarding the votes.

Fr. Ernie Larida, former parish priest and now director of the Diocesan Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod, said John Michael is active in the parish, helps in the choir, and is an active and regular churchgoer.

John Michael said he hopes to graduate in high school this year, and wishes to pursue Computer Engineering. He is studying at the Bacolod City National High School in its special education program.

His studies is being supported by his mother, a caregiver, as his father is already old and sickly.

It is hoped that there are people and institutions willing to help John Michael realize his dreams.

As a 21-year-old election hero, John Michael continues to inspire us with his courage and determination – that we have a duty to protect the rights of the citizenry, and to safeguard the ballots, from intimidation, dishonesty, violence and corruption.

Volunteering, too, is a mission of service. It is beyond riches or simplicity, or in John Michael's case, beyond physical strength. We salute you, John Michael, for your courage, truly a true Filipino and a hero amongst us.

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