An all-out campaign for registration for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) is being undertaken by the Philippine Embassy in Austria.

Embassy officials take advantage of all Filipino events in the country to encourage more Pinoys to take part in the ongoing OAV registration for the 2010 elections.

During the Pista ng Kabite last May 16, 2009, Ambassador Linglingay Lacanlale enjoined her fellow Filipinos to register so they can exercise their right to vote in the presidential elections next year.

“Napakahalaga pong bumoto kayo. You have to use our right to vote because the future depends on you,” Lacanlale said.

Lacanlale challenged Filipinos to participate in the Philippine democratic process in order for change to happen.

“If we want change to happen, we should be involved,” Lacanlale said. “Let us be responsible Filipinos, let us register and let our voices be heard,” she added.

Deputy Minister Charly Manangan also encouraged Bikolanos during their induction ball in Vienna to register for the 2010 elections.

“I would like to invite and encourage all of you to come to the embassy to register for the 2010 presidential elections so that you may be able to contribute to the political betterment of our country,” Manangan said.

The OAV registration started last February 1, 2009 and will continue until August 31, 2009.

The Embassy is also holding outreach programs for OAV registration. Recently, the embassy held registration in Zagreb, Croatia on May 13, 2009 at the Philippine Honorary Consul General.

Vice Consul Sharon Rivera said the turnout was significantly smaller than in other posts. The Embassy also wanted to respond to the requests of the Filipino community in Croatia who were unable to come to Vienna due to the geographical distance.

During the registration period, Filipinos 18-years-old and above, working and living abroad, can register for the May 2010 presidential and senatorial elections. Personal appearance is required for the biometrics photograph, thumbprint, and signature.