Various people and non-government organizations and advocates are launching a series of forums to provide information on the country’s pressing issues and urge the electorate to vote for 2025 midterm election candidates that genuinely have Filipinos’ interests at heart.

The series dubbed “Bayan Para sa Bayan: A Voter’s Guide” is holding its first session on “Pagkain at Agrikulura” today October 18, 2024, at the IBON Center in Quezon City.

The event will open with former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) secretary and Kilusang Magbububukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Chairman Emeritus Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano who will discuss the state of the country’s food security and agriculture.

Special guest reactors will then share their views and where they think various candidates stand on this issue. The reactors are IBON research head Rosario Guzman, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) national vice chairperson Estrelieta Bagasbas, and Atty. Shiela Magno of the Consumers Union of the Philippines (CUP).

Election watchdog KontraDaya represented by Sr. Maureen Catabian of the Religious of the Good Shepherd will then share their analysis of and prospects for the ongoing 2025 midterm electoral race and election day. An open forum will follow where the audience can forward their questions and thoughts as well.

Bayan Para sa Bayan Voter’s Guide Session #1 on Pagkain at Agrikultura is co-organized by the Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Konsyumer para sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan (SUKI) Network, the Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG), IBON Foundation, Agroecology X, and Altermidya.