DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) consistently makes efforts to educate Filipino citizens about the significance of their role in shaping the nation’s future through active participation in the electoral process.

Lawyer Marino Salas, provincial election supervisor of COMELEC Pangasinan, explained that the right to suffrage is a powerful tool that can empower individuals to stand on equal ground regardless of their wealth or status.

“In our democratic government system, where sovereignty comes from the people, it allows us to voice our thoughts and aspirations equally. Hence, actively participating in expressing our thoughts and aspirations through voting highlights the importance of registering before casting our vote,” he said.

He is encouraging eligible individuals to register to vote as their participation can result in concrete improvements in governance and the community at large.

To promote democratic participation, COMELEC Pangasinan recently organized a Provincewide Centralized Satellite Registration of Voters, integrating the Special Registration Anywhere Program (RAP) at Robinsons Place Calasiao for Districts 1-4 and SM City Urdaneta Central for Districts 5-6.

This move was made to simplify voter registration and encourage participation in future elections.

Leonila Escaño, an 80-year-old originally from San Juan, Pasig City, but temporarily residing in San Carlos City, has successfully registered with the assistance of the RAP.

“Malaking pasasalamat ko na may ganitong programa. Ngayon lang ako nakapagrehistro sa buong buhay ko,” she said.

(I am very grateful for this program. This is the first time in my entire life that I have been able to register).

John Christopher Morente, a resident of Rosario, La Union but studying at the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) in Binalonan town, expresses gratitude for RAP as it allowed him to register to vote despite his current residence.

 “Voter registration is crucial because it grants me the power to choose who will lead our community and the country,” he said.

A combined total of 839 individuals received assistance with various voter registration services, with 225 served at SM City Urdaneta Central and 614 at Robinsons Place Calasiao.

These services include new voter registrations, transfer of registration records, reactivation, correction of entries or name changes, as well as inclusion of records in the voter books or reinstatement of names in the voter list.

Meanwhile, Salas assures that registration services will be extended to remote areas beyond traditional venues, such as barangays, malls, and schools, until September 30, 2024, to ensure that even residents in remote areas have the opportunity to register.

He encourages eligible individuals to register early and not wait until the deadline.

He proudly shared, “The youth’s registration result is high, which indicates their awareness and willingness to participate.”

The voter registration process in Pangasinan served 57,284 individuals from February 12 to May 3. (JCR/AMB/JSZ/PIA Pangasinan)