Comelec NIR says voter registration stable despite typhoon disruptions

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Voter registration activities in the Negros Island Region (NIR) were disrupted by recent typhoons, temporarily affecting several Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices, but officials confirmed that no election equipment was damaged.

Regional Election Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano assured the public that although flooding and structural impacts were reported, “no election equipment was destroyed or compromised during the storms.”

One of the affected areas was the Comelec office in Bacolod City, which is located in a known flood-prone zone.

Heavy rainfall made the site temporarily inaccessible and caused delays in registration services for local residents.

Castillano said he hopes the local government will extend assistance to help stabilize operations during severe weather events.

He stressed the importance of uninterrupted voter registration and said local support is crucial to keeping electoral services open and accessible, especially during emergencies.

Despite the weather-related setbacks, the region recorded 33,755 voter registration applications from Oct. 20 to Nov. 29, 2025.

By province, Negros Occidental led with 22,913 applications, followed by Negros Oriental with 10,270 and Siquijor with 572.

Comelec also reported progress under its Register Anywhere Program, with Bacolod City processing 69 applications and Dumaguete City recording 14.

Siquijor reported no applications under the program.

Officials continue to encourage qualified voters to participate in the ongoing registration, emphasizing its role in strengthening democratic processes.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to delivering uninterrupted registration services and ensuring accessibility despite natural disruptions.

To support this, Comelec-Bacolod released its voter registration schedule for Dec. 1 to 6, 2025, covering its main office and select barangays.

From Dec. 1 to 3, registration is held at the BAYS Center, the designated Comelec-Bacolod office.

On Dec. 4, the team will serve Barangay Mandalagan residents at the Barangay Mandalagan Hall.

On Dec. 5, Barangay Handumanan residents can register at the Barangay Covered Court.

The schedule concludes on Dec. 6 with registration for Barangay Taculing at the Gonzaga Covered Court.

Comelec reminds the public that the nationwide voter registration period runs from Oct. 20, 2025, to May 18, 2026.

Eligible voters are urged to register early and bring valid identification to avoid delays.

Officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register and participate in the upcoming elections, regardless of the weather.