Central Visayas electoral board gets high certification rate

CEBU, Philippines — In preparation for the upcoming midterm elections, educators serving as members of the electoral board (EB) in Central Visayas have recorded a commendable passing rate of 92.78 percent in certification exams, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reported.

This figure surpasses the national passing rate of 91.96 percent, indicating that the majority of EB members are well-prepared for the electoral process.

Dr. Tristan L. Abando, DOST-7 assistant regional director, stated that 12,566 electoral board members in the province underwent rigorous theoretical and practical examinations to assess their proficiency, particularly in handling Automated Counting Machines (ACMs). However, this number represents those who have enrolled in DOST-7's training system and does not reflect the final count of certified EBs.

"The final numbers for Region 7 will be updated once all training sessions, including those pending in Bohol, are completed and enrolled in the system," Abando clarified.

The certification process aligns with Republic Act No. 9369, which requires at least one IT-capable and DOST-certified member per precinct.

DOST-7 Regional Director Engr. Jesus Zamora emphasized the department's commitment to ensuring that EB members possess the necessary technical expertise. He assured the public that despite a small percentage failing the exam, the electoral process remains secure and well-prepared.

Meanwhile, Commission on Elections (COMELEC-7) Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe addressed concerns regarding the seven percent who did not pass the certification. He confirmed that these individuals would be replaced by contingency teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure all EB positions are adequately filled.

"Kung walasilanipasarsa requirements as required by the COMELEC through the DOST then we will have to get another personnel from another DepEd batch of list," Pobe said.

He stressed that all EB members must pass to guarantee their ability to troubleshoot any issues during the elections. COMELEC-7 and DepEd have agreed that assigned teachers must be computer literate to effectively operate ACMs and manage election-related concerns.

In addition to educators, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are also undergoing training. In Bohol, 50 PNP personnel are scheduled for training on March 26-27, followed by another batch in Cebu on March 27-28. However, Pobe clarified that the PNP personnel are not being trained to replace disqualified teachers but to serve as backup in case of security concerns.

"Angilang intention raani is just in case naayissue in peace and order security nga mag withdrawangubangmaestra. They will be on standby status," he added.

Under Republic Act No. 10756, also known as "An Act Rendering Election Service Non-Compulsory for Public School Teachers," COMELEC has the authority to enlist non-teaching personnel from DepEd, other government employees, and private school teachers to serve as EB members. Strict guidelines have been set to ensure impartiality in the election process, including a rule that EB members must not be related by blood or marriage up to the fourth civil degree to any fellow EB member, candidate, or candidate's spouse in their assigned polling place. — (FREEMAN)