Bacolod: The Commission on Elections - Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) has commenced the inspection of public school classrooms designated as polling places for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-NIR Regional Election Director Lionel Marco Castillano highlighted in a recent interview that the poll body has reduced the voter allocation per precinct to ensure voters have more time to cast their ballots. This decision necessitates the use of a greater number of classrooms compared to previous elections, as the voter count per precinct has been reduced from 1,000 to 400, given that the BSKE will be conducted manually.

Director Castillano explained that the reduction in voter allocation will more than double the number of classrooms needed as polling places compared to past elections. Additionally, voting hours have been shortened to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., as opposed to the previous schedule of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This adjustment aims to provide the Board of Election Inspectors with ample time to count the ballots and allow the Barangay Board of Canvassers to canvass and proclaim the winners efficiently.

Election officers in various cities and municipalities have been assigned the task of inspecting these classrooms in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs). The inspection focuses on the structural integrity of the classrooms, particularly those affected by natural events like typhoons and earthquakes, as well as ensuring the availability of electricity and other necessary resources.

Amid concerns about power supply and potential interruptions due to manual load shedding, Director Castillano anticipates that government guidelines will be issued to the power sector to guarantee stable and uninterrupted electricity during the BSKE.

According to Comelec-NIR records, as of August 13, Negros Oriental boasts 6,110 established precincts and 2,945 clustered precincts for the barangay level, and 6,106 established precincts and 2,945 clustered precincts for the SK level. In comparison, the 2025 elections saw 6,018 established precincts and 2,921 clustered precincts for the barangay level, and 6,015 established precincts and 2,921 clustered precincts for the SK level.