In light of the forthcoming election on May 2010, Lipa City Colleges hosted the first political forum in Lipa for this year entitled “Alaman Na: Isang Sulyap sa Pulitika ng Lipa” last February 5, 2010 at the school’s gymnasium. The political forum was held with the aim to bring about a change in the face of the present political scenario through advocating a clean and honest election and to provide the Lipeño voting public an opportunity to scrutinize the local candidates who certainly have a burning desire to serve the City of Lipa. It was also intended to awaken the people’s mind to entrust their votes to the capable and aspiring candidates to whom they could voice out their hopes, aspirations and grievances in life.

The event drew a crowd from the different sector of the community including the academe, business industry, politics and religion as well as over a dozen candidates who were given the opportunity to present their platforms. In attendance were the incumbent Lipa City Mayor Oscar L. Gozos of the Lakas Kampi CMD and the frontrunner Meynard A. Sabili of the Nacionalista Party. The candidates for councilor were given five (5) minutes to deliver their speech, 7-10 minutes for the Vice-Mayors and 15 minutes for the two Mayoral candidates.

Mr. Ronnel Sarmiento of Team Sabili and Ms. Concon Hernandez of Team Gozos, both candidate for councilor caught the attention of the public due to the unique attribute they have, being the youngest candidates and being the only woman among the group, respectively. In what was the most heated moment of the forum, Mayor Gozos and Meynard Sabili who were vying for the Mayoral position pitched their platforms in front of the Lipeños. Sabili said that being idealistic is an advantage for him and the reason he accepted the challenge to run is for the people’s sake. Meanwhile, Mayor oscar Gozos on his speech, mentioned a number of his projects that brought major improvements in the City of Lipa.

The open forum also highlighted the event. The local candidates were given two (2) minutes to answer the queries from the audience which were delivered by the moderators comprised of Dr. Dante O. Lubis, faculty member from Lipa City Colleges; Ms. Olivia Gomez, Lipa City Chapter President – Philippines Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA); Mr. Joselito Lingao, President – LIMCOMA Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Rev. Fr. Rodem Ramos from the religion sector.

And for the purpose of having a peaceful and genuine election, on the last part of the forum, all of the candidates signed the covenant in front of the Lipeños who attended to show sincerity and dedication to the promises they have uttered during the event.