Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 4-A (Calabarzon) will soon establish a permanent regional office in this city following the signing of a Deed of Usufruct Agreement between Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia and Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal at the Convention Hall of the Jose Rizal Coliseum here Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated that the initiative is part of Comelec’s nationwide effort to set up permanent regional offices to serve as ‘one-stop shops’ for election-related services. He highlighted that the Comelec 4-A office had been functioning from rented spaces across Laguna, pointing out the necessity for a permanent facility within the Calabarzon Government Regional Center in Barangay Mapagong. The relocation is expected to improve accessibility and efficiency in delivering public services.

Garcia mentioned that the establishment of the Comelec regional office in Calamba City will provide convenience not only to the residents of Laguna but also to those in nearby provinces, as Calamba is centrally located in the region. On the other hand, Mayor Rizal expressed full support for the project, noting that the usufruct agreement between the city government and Comelec reflects their joint commitment to enhancing public service delivery and bolstering democratic institutions. He emphasized that this initiative is part of an ongoing partnership with national agencies aimed at bringing government services closer to the populace.

During the event, Comelec reintroduced the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) to facilitate voter registration by making the process more accessible. Eligible citizens can register as new voters, transfer precincts, or update their registration data at designated sites irrespective of their residence. In Calamba City, SM City Calamba has been designated as a RAP site.