SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Commission on Elections reached out to groups of persons with disabilities (PWD) and persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in San Jose de Buenavista for the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) roadshow.
Municipal Election Officer lawyer Johnna Q. Tronco-Catilo said that 20 representatives from the association of PWDs and 92 PDLs were given orientation on how to use the ACM.
Catilo noted that engaging with the PWDs and PDLs is also a way of empowering and encouraging them to exercise their right to suffrage.
Municipal Disability Affairs Officer Amie Dava lauded this initiative noting that their inclusion in government undertakings shows inclusive governance and recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Sally Sadiasa, a person with visual impairment, expressed delight of being given the chance to participate in the mock voting.“As a person with visual impairment, I deeply recognize our reliance on the natural support around us. That’s why opportunities like this are truly a blessing—empowering us to find our voice and reaffirm our place in the community,” she said.
She added that this voter’s education program has equipped them with valuable knowledge and wisdom, guiding them on how to exercise their right to vote.
“It allows us to demonstrate that we are capable, productive, and integral members of society,” she added.
Sadiasa is a college graduate with degree in BS Special Education at West Visayas State University.
During the ACM orientation, the Antique Integrated School under the leadership of its principal Dr. Sylvia Obani sent an interpreter for those with hearing impairment.
Another participant, Angelica Masmela, also with visual impairment, shared her appreciation of the experiences she had during the mock voting.
“It was great news for persons with visual impairments to learn that a headset is available, allowing us to use a text-to-speech feature to review our ballots. We were able to insert our ballots into the machine ourselves and receive a receipt while listening to the names of the candidates we voted for, thanks to the audio assistance”, she said.
She is happy to verify her ballot and confirm if the designated assistant shaded the names of the candidates she had chosen.
Masmela is currently taking up BS Entrepreneurship at the University of Antique.
Meanwhile, Persons Deprived of Liberty at the San Jose de Buenavista District Jail, were also given orientation on the use of the ACM, though on election day they will go for manual voting (shading of ballots) while the board election inspectors will facilitate the counting of their votes.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Acting Jail Warden JINSP Marichu F. Servidad shared the excitement of the PDLs while participating in the mock voting.
She added that the activity inspired the PDLs and affirmed their right to choose their leaders while behind bars.
As the election period progressed, COMELEC reminded everyone to comply with the gun ban as checkpoints in every municipality were implemented.
San Jose de Buenavista town has 38,767 registered voters with 52 clustered precincts in 20 voting centers. (AGP/PSM/PIA-Antique)
