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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) - Negros Island Region (NIR) is celebrating National Women's Month this March to honor women and young girls through special activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-NIR election director Lionel Marco Castillano stated in an interview that election officers across the region were instructed to undertake these simple but meaningful activities throughout the month.

'I have instructed the election officers to conduct special voters' registration for women and young girls, giving them priority, this month, and for all Comelec personnel to wear purple every Wednesday,' Castillano said. The Comelec is currently conducting voter registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in November. The registration will end on May 31 and will not be extended, Castillano said.

Different Comelec offices in the region have also devised several strategies to draw in fe male registrants while honoring them this month. In Bacong, Negros Oriental, the Office of the Election Officer is giving away handkerchiefs, which serve as special souvenirs. The Comelec-Bacong highlighted the symbolism of the handkerchief, emphasizing women's strength and ability to lead and transform society.

The Comelec in Pamplona, Negros Oriental is distributing hand sanitizers, combs, hair accessories, and hand fans. Meanwhile, in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, the Office of the Regional Election Director is offering bottled water and snacks to women registrants.

Castillano noted that women comprise a significant number of registered voters in the Negros Island Region. Data made available by his office showed that in the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor, 71,560 women and 63,468 men, totaling 135,028, had registered for the BSKE. Additionally, under the Register Anywhere Program, Comelec data revealed that in the NIR, 467 females and 364 males, totaling 831, had registered so far.