The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) of the Diocese of Dumaguete is working double time to train volunteers for its massive voters’ education campaign in time for the May 13 elections.
This came after more than 60 representatives from the different parishes in Negros Oriental and Siquijor under the coverage area of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Saturday completed a one-day trainors’ training.
Msgr. Julius Heruela, convenor of the electoral board and also head of the citizens’ arms, the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) disclosed that aside from training on the use of the automated machines (Precinct Count Optical Scan), there will be assistance desks established at certain sites to help voters locate their respective voters precincts.
Msgr. Heruela said that in areas where the PPCRV has not been activated to train and deploy volunteers for poll watching, he will be recommending the setting up of assistance desks, such as at Churches especially on Sundays.
The monsignor said this will not reduce the time of voters in locating their voting precincts but will also provide them the correct information. He noted that there were instances in previous elections where voters were allegedly provided with the wrong voting precincts by certain political candidates, apparently just to confuse them and prevent them from voting.
Meanwhile, volunteers who sign up with the DEB for poll duty will be covered by insurance by the NAMFREL. Also, they will be given proper identification cards and T-shirts to identify them as representatives of the citizens’ arms that are duly recognized by the Commission on Elections to participate in the electoral exercise to ensure a peaceful, honest, orderly and clean elections. (PNA/JFP)
