Edu Manzano encourages participative citizenry

"It's time we all stood up and do our share . Stand up and be counted. it is an opportunity for us to shout out not only to our leaders for the rest of the world that we have enough and really do want change. It has to be a participative citizenry. We don't live up to the true meaning of liberal democracy. " It was quite a revelation to talk to Edu Manzano, the administration's vice-presidential bet. I nearly didn't want to attend this interview because of the "celebrity showbiz" status. I am not particularly fond of showbiz personalities who dabble with politics. All I know about him is "Game ka na ba?". It puzzled me why someone as "galing and talino" like Gibo Teodoro would get a showbiz running mate.

I am glad I went. Edu Manzano revealed so many facets of his background that is not quite known to the public. It's a good thing that I was "game na" to set aside my initial bias to get to know him more.

Edu Manzano warmed up to my question on his education platform. Gibo Teodoro also stressed the importance of education especially starting with the pre-school years. I ask, " What makes your education platform different from all the other candidates including our presidential candidates? " His platform says "There is no other route to economic development or the attainment of a high quality of life, than thru improvement of human capital: EDUCATION. " I was surprised to find out he was once a ballistic missile engineer. He lamented on the dismal state of Philippine education, which must be “globally competitive” to meet the needs of the modern times. He thinks that it starts with the local government who must take care of its teachers” by “training them to be globally competitive.” This needs an upgrade in the educational system starting with the local government who must then bring this over to the grassroots level.

Considering budgetary constraints in the government, Edu plans to tap the private sector to help improve the educational system. He will also encourage graduates, from undergraduate up to doctorate degree holders, to spend their time helping the barrios and indigent communities instead of going abroad. He vowed to find creative ways to increase the national budget and to generate jobs for the youth other jobs offered at call centers.

When I asked him on the desired department if elected, Edu prefers the Department of Science and Technology. Based on his engineering background, I believe this department suits him well. He stressed government engagement with the private sector and businesses to improve science and technology education in general public schools, and not only in science high schools.

Edu is not after all just a showbiz personality. After the interview, I now understood why Gibo Teodoro chose Edu Manzano as his vice-presidential candidate. He has the brains, the passion and and the experience in local governance and law enforcement.

Here is Edu Manzano's message to the electorate on how we all can be a part of the change. The question is game ka na ba?

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