BAGUIO CITY – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Baguio-Benguet successfully launched the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) at People’s Park Malcolm Square, here, recently with the theme “Karapatang Bumoto, Simulan sa Pagpaparehistro #Magparehistroka.”
The Register Anywhere Program aims to simplify the voter registration process for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. With this program, individuals can easily register, transfer, reactivate, correct entries, change names, and update records, regardless of their place of residence.
According to Mr. Mac Ramirez, COMELEC’s Information Officer, “Last year pinilit ng COMELEC po ito. Ang tawag po namin dito Register Anywhere Project and we found na very successful, marami ang nakinabang sa Register Anywhere na to. Kaya ngayon, iniimplement na siya, naging programa na na permanente ng COMELEC.” He also stated that the centralized satellite registration is part of an effort to bring COMELEC services closer to the people.
The COMELEC Provincial Supervisor, Atty. Elenita Julia A. Tabangin – Capuyan, also stated that the Register Anywhere Project aims to make the registration process more accessible for individuals who may have difficulty visiting their local COMELEC offices. “Kasi diba wala silang oras, they are busy, they are at the university, they are working. ‘Hindi naman kami makapunta sa office of the Election Officer, of my place of Birth, where I really… kung taga-saan ako’ So, ang gagawin, you just register here, tatransfer na namin ang iyong pangalan kung saan ka nakatira.” she explained.
COMELEC representatives from all municipalities of Benguet were present during the event, ensuring assistance to all citizens who wanted to vote. The registration process happened smoothly as voters followed specific steps such as falling in line, filling out forms, interviews, and biometric data collection. A minimum of 200 voters were expected to register.
The COMELEC encourages citizens to take advantage of the program and register during the specified periods. While for those who weren’t able to attend the said event, updates and schedules will be posted at the official COMELEC Facebook page.
Engr. Doy Tabilog, representing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, said, “This program represents a significant step towards ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. By bringing voter registration directly to the people through centralized satellite locations and special registration services, we are breaking down barriers and making the processes more accessible than before.” He has also expressed the city government’s commitment to democratic values, emphasizing that voter registration is a sacred duty that empowers citizens to shape the nation’s future.
Ma’am Eva Marie Fianza, representative of Hon. Rocky Aliping, the President of ABC – Baguio City, also expressed hopes for future COMELEC registrations in barangays. She assured support from barangay officials in providing necessary equipment like chairs and tents for future registration efforts.
The unwavering support of the City Government and Barangay Officials for this program demonstrates a shared commitment to active citizenry and empowering the people’s right to vote.
Furthermore, La Trinidad and Baguio City will continue to organize the Register Anywhere Program once a month until September 30, 2024, offering citizens ample opportunities to register and participate in the democratic process. By Hazel Rose N. Infante
