First Voters in Seoul Different but Alike

Maria Gema Cantutay, a 41-year old native of Cebu, was the first to arrive on April 10, 2010 to cast her vote for the Presidential, Vice Presidential, Senatorial and Party-List elections.

Cantutay has been working in South Korea for nine years. In an interview with the Philippine Embassy and Cathy Rose Garcia of the Korea Times, Cantutay revealed that she decided to visit the Philippine Embassy ahead of her work in the afternoon. “Kailangan natin [ang bumoto] bilang Pilipino (As Filipinos, we need to vote),” she said.

While Cantutay has participated in past elections at post, accountant Alfonso Delgado is a first-time overseas absentee voter. Delgado, who quickly finished his ballot and was the first to make the drop with the help of a list of candidates he already intended to vote, said he wanted to “set an example” by coming early and ready.

“Each vote counts, so mine also counts,” he said.

Cantutay hopes for an improved economy. “Sana wala nang masyadong umalis ng bansa. Malayo kasi sa pamilya, malungkot mag-isa (I hope we not have to leave the country [for work]. We are away from our family and get lonely),” she confided.

Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Luis T. Cruz emphasized the importance of voting. “Overseas Filipinos have one month to have a direct say on the future of the nation. Let us put this opportunity to good use,” he said.

“If you want to make a change, go out and vote,” Delgado encouraged.