The University of Baguio’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Program partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)– Baguio for a Special Satellite Registration featuring the Register Anywhere Program (RAP).
On March 15, 2024, the University of Baguio’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (UB-BAPS) in collaboration with the COMELEC, successfully conducted the satellite registration event for unregistered voters, catering to both residents and non-residents of Baguio City at the UB Centennial Building,
School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) floor. Through the Special Register Anywhere Program (SRAP) of the COMELEC, the UB-BAPS became one of the agents in ensuring that constituents are able to vote during the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections.
The UB-BAPS students who facilitated the registration ensured that the requirements were met: a) at least 18 years on the day of the next National and Local Elections on May 2025, b) at least one year resident of the Philippines and residing in the precinct where they will register for at least six months, and not disqualified by law.
Also, it is worth noting that this initiative went beyond mere voter registration, since services such as transfer of registration, correction of entry, and reactivation of registration were also offered.
Additionally, attendees were provided with the opportunity for free registration for the National Identification Card of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), were also facilitated.
With the combined efforts of the COMELEC officials, PSA Officials, and UB- Polsci Student-volunteers, approximately 300 new and existing registered voters were successfully assisted during the one-day event. Nearly half of the attendees were students and faculty of the University of Baguio, with the remainder comprising residents and non-residents of Baguio City. This outcome manifests that the campaign has successfully engaged the community and encouraged individuals to participate and exercise their rights to suffrage. By enabling these new registered voters, the initiative has profoundly contributed towards promoting inclusivity and representation within the voting population. This increase in registered voters is a testament to the effectiveness of the campaign’s outreach efforts and the importance of civic engagement.
The success of this event was made possible through the leadership of both the Commission on Elections – Baguio, led by City Election Officer Atty. John Paul Martin, and the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Program Chair, Ms. Beverly Laltoog.
Written by Harold Deane Piog
