VECO sees no major hitches in barangay, SK polls preparations

CEBU, Philippines – The Visayan Electric Company expects lesser problem in their preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections because most of the systems have been in place during the May 10 presidential elections.

VECO spokesperson Ethel Natera said all contingency measures have been in place including emergency crew to respond to any problem on the election day.

"Due to the preparations and repairs we have made for the elections last May, we expect lesser problems," Natera said.

"I cannot talk about power supply but on our part we are prepared," Natera added.

VECO supply the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay and Naga and four municipalities of Metro Cebu - Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla and San Fernando. Its franchise service covers an area of about 672 square kilometers with an estimated population of 1.73 million.

Department of Education on the other hand has started the coordination with the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the smooth conduct of the coming elections.

Deped will also be signing a separate memorandum of agreement with the Comelec and the PNP to outline its respective roles as well as to ensure the teacher's security and safety during the said exercise.

DepEd officials are also urging the Comelec to release the teacher's honorarium in full and not in tranches.

Earlier the COMELEC said they would need 450,000 teachers for the Barangay and SK elections because the votes will be counted manually.

An Election Task Force was created by DepEd to provide assistance for teachers who will be in an election-related trouble. (FREEMAN)