by Vanessa B. Barayang, BA Comm-4, The Centralian Link Intern

A voters’ education and registration orientation for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections was conducted to equip senior high school students with essential knowledge on responsible voting.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a Voters’ Education and Voter Registration orientation for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on February 19, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room, Central Philippine University (CPU). The event aimed to educate senior high school students about the importance of responsible voting and the voter registration process.

The program formally opened with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Ms. Dawn Dizon, Guidance Associate of CPU, followed by an invocation delivered by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church. Key officials from COMELEC, along with University administrators led by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, were present during the activity.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy acknowledged the efforts of the University’s administration, particularly the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, for spearheading the event and welcoming the COMELEC Region VI officials to the University. He emphasized the importance of civic engagement among youth and encouraged students to actively participate in democratic processes.

Delivering a special message for the 2026 BSKE, the Chairman of the Commission on Elections expressed gratitude to Central Philippine University for providing a platform to educate young voters. He underscored the constitutional mandate of the COMELEC, citing Article IX-C of the Philippine Constitution, which establishes the Commission as an independent body that cannot be abolished by Congress or even by the President.

Drawing inspiration from the film Dead Poets Society, he highlighted the phrase “Seize the day,” encouraging students to make wise decisions and take advantage of opportunities that may only come once—particularly the opportunity to vote. He stressed that becoming a responsible voter is a vital step toward becoming an active and responsible citizen of the country. In his closing, he reminded the students to take pride in their identity as Filipinos and to uphold their duty to the nation through informed and responsible participation in elections.

An intermission performance by Khazandra Carizz Ipyl, a BSBA-MM 4 student and World Championship of Performing Arts winner, added to the program’s engagement before the awarding of certificates to the invited guests and a photo opportunity.

The activity continued with an interactive voters’ education session, which began with a quiz to assess and enhance students’ knowledge of the electoral process. The segment encouraged active participation, as students answered questions related to voter registration, qualifications, and procedures involved in voting. The discussion covered who may register, the requirements needed, and the step-by-step process of participating in the election.

To reinforce learning, the organizers conducted an oral recitation at the end of the session. Students who answered correctly were given prizes, further encouraging attentiveness and engagement throughout the program.

The event successfully provided senior high school students with essential knowledge about the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, equipping them with a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities as future voters.