By Karren Jay G. Asgar

COMELEC key officials together with CPU representatives during the 2024 Voter Education and Registration Fair.

Central Philippine University – On April 26, 2024, the Commission on Elections conducted the 2024 Voter Education and Registration Fair with the theme, “Karapatang Bumoto, Simulan sa Pagpaparehistro.” at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, which was attended by students from the Senior High School Department.

Various COMELEC key officials graced the event in their presence, which included the following: the VERF Team from the Education and Information Department, COMELEC Main Office, Intramuros, Manila, comprising Ivy D. Evangelista, Information Officer II; Evangeline C. Raquel, Administrative Aide I; and Lhida E. Bantaotao, Plantilla Casual. Also, from the Office of the Regional Election Director, Region VI, were Atty. Dennis L. Ausan, Regional Election Director, Atty. Wil S. Arceño, Provincial Election Supervisor-Province of Capiz/Concurrent Acting Assistant Regional Election Director, and Atty. Hazel Alconga-Palencia, Regional Election Attorney of the Commission on Elections 6. Atty. Reinier B. Layson, Provincial Election Supervisor-Province of Iloilo/Concurrent Acting Election Officer-City of Iloilo, was also present.

Engr. Dany C. Molina, CPU Vice President for Administration, addressed his welcome remarks for the key officials and participants who were present during the momentous event. He emphasized the vital roles of youth as the minds who work effectively in nation-building. “I am happy to extend our Centralian welcome to our esteemed guests,” he said.

Atty. Dennis L. Ausan extends his gratitude to the university’s support for the success of this event amidst challenges, during his opening remarks. “Not only we are the hope of the future, but this is the time for us to show that we are also the hope of our present,” Atty. Ausan stated.

A lecture was conducted by Ms. Ivy D. Evangelista, where she discussed the voter’s rights and responsibilities in these upcoming elections. During her talk, she emphasized the importance of exercising our right to suffrage. Ms. Evangelista’s thorough lecture gave participants the information necessary to learn and understand the electoral landscape.

The voters’ education and registration fair aimed to enlighten Centralians on the significance of their voting rights and engage them in the necessary ideas they needed to understand in the upcoming elections.