PHILIPPINES

CLD Expands Political Education Campaign with Trainings in Region of Luzon Ahead of 2025 Midterm Elections

The Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD) has continued its efforts to empower local communities with the necessary tools to run effective political campaigns at the grassroots level. After successful training sessions in Visayas and Mindanao Leg specifically Davao last July and Iloilo last August, CLD has extended its reach to the Luzon region with a series of political education and campaign strategy workshops aimed at equipping liberal local leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources essential for planning, organizing, and executing local political campaigns.

In partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation – Philippines, CLD held its 2-day workshop of its #TaraNa: Political Education and Campaign Training in Calamba, Laguna on September 13-15, 2024. Following sessions were also conducted in Quezon City on October 5-6, 2024 and Bulacan on November 9-10 2024. These workshops provide an opportunity for CLD to assess the current state of liberal grassroots communities and identify areas for further development.

The focus of the activities is to heighten the effectiveness of electoral campaigning, which is seen as the cornerstone of liberal work. By engaging in electoral campaigns, CLD aims to advance liberal values and policies in the political arena while promoting democratic participation and strengthening civic engagement. These workshops also foster safe spaces for liberal activists and organizations to engage with the public, build coalitions, and mobilize grassroots support, amplifying their impact in driving meaningful change.

During the workshops, participants are taught the basics of liberalism, enabling them to draft localized campaign and mobilization plans tailored to their communities. They also gain insight into the national political landscape and learn how to align local campaigns with broader party goals. The Snowflake Organizing Framework is introduced to participants, guiding them through Social Investigation and Stakeholder Mapping as part of the electoral planning process. These strategies are aimed at strengthening campaigns and improving voter outreach.

As the Philippines approaches the 2025 midterm elections, these activities are designed to ensure that political leaders who will be chosen in both national and local are those who are brave enough to be accountable to the people. The upcoming elections will see the election of 12 new senators, all members of the House of Representatives, including party-list representatives, as well as local government officials so it’s really crucial to advocate for personalities who are people-oriented, democratic, and will prioritize the needs of the country instead of their own.

CLD's training efforts aim to reassess the current political landscape, influence policy direction, and support the democratic process by strengthening the balance of the country’s party list system.

This article is written by Pie Escobar, the Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippine Office.