Dumaguete: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here announced Thursday that the satellite registration of voters, especially those with special needs, will be held at a mall and certain barangays starting Friday. In an interview, city election officer Ian Macaraya told the Philippine News Agency that the satellite registration would be held at the Robinsons Place shopping mall, as well as in 10 of the 30 barangays and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities.

According to Philippines News Agency, city election officer Ian Macaraya stated, “We hope to reach as many people to register for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, and the satellite registration will make it easier for them to do this.” Macaraya noted that priority would be given to persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant mothers.

Both the male and female dormitories of the BJMP detention and rehabilitation centers will also be visited by the Comelec staff for on-site registration. The barangays with a satellite registration are Daro, Batinguel, Piapi, Cadawinonan, Bantayan, Motong, Bajumpandan, Cantil-e, Banilad, and Balugo. Registration will also be held at the City Comelec office.

Macaraya expressed hopes for an increase in the number of registrants, particularly those aged 14 to 17, who are now eligible to vote for their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates. He reiterated that due to a tight schedule, the Comelec will not accept those who wish to transfer their registration at this time.

The registration period includes Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This initiative comes as the poll body prepares for the August 1-10 nationwide registration of voters for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) elections.