Oldest voter “Lola Inay,” 97, casts her vote
INAY Maria Castro Alcaide, a 97-year-old resident of Barangay Lucao and a registered voter in Dagupan City, the oldest voter not only in Pangasinan participated in the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023.
Known as “Mother” in her barangay, and affectionately called “Mary” by those close to her, Inay Maria, who was born on September 28, 1926, displayed unwavering determination to cast her vote in the recent elections. Despite her advanced age and the fact that she did not vote in the last presidential election due to health reasons, she was resolute in supporting reelectionist Kap Lino Lino Fernandez, her candidate for barangay chairperson.
To reach her polling precinct, Inay Mary chose to ride a tri-bike, considering it more convenient than using a car. Her daughter, Judalyn, a teacher, assisted her on the journey to the polling precinct.
Inay Mary’s determination to vote for her preferred candidate was unshakable, even when the tri-bike driver attempted to persuade her to vote for another candidate. She personally wrote her chosen candidate’s name on the ballot and dictated the names of the six councilor candidates she wished to vote for.
Inay Mary, who uses a wheelchair during the day as she can’t walk, received a warm welcome upon her arrival at the polling precinct. Several candidates extended their greetings, shaking her hand and acknowledging her participation.
Minnie Alcaide-Caburnay, another daughter of Inay Mary and a veteran radio broadcaster, expressed her amazement at her mother’s determination to exercise her right to vote. Inay Mary has been residing in Lucao at Minnie’s home since 1983, supported Fernandez as barangay chairperson for years.
When the tri-bike driver tried to persuade her to vote for another candidate, Inay Mary firmly said, “Meron ako (na kandidato).” While she personally wrote “Lino” on her ballot she dictated the names of the six other candidates she wanted to vote for as kagawad.
When the teacher who assisted her suggested marking her thumbprint on the election form, she politely declined, stating that she could still write. Inay Mary even asked whether she should use a short or longer signature on the form.
Inay Maria’s participation in the electoral process is an inspiring example of civic engagement, proving that age is not a barrier to exercising one’s right to vote. Her determination and commitment serve as a testament to the importance of active citizenship and participation in the democratic process. (Eva Visperas)
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