San nicolas: An accessible voting center will open at Bangar Elementary School in Barangay Fianza, San Nicolas, Pangasinan, to serve Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. San Nicolas election officer Gina Aquino highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting that 110 regular voters and 33 SK voters, all IPs, will benefit from the accessible voting center.
According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino explained that the Iwak tribe has long requested a more accessible polling station due to the challenging geography of Barangay Fianza. Despite the presence of two voting centers in the area, the distance and terrain have posed difficulties for voters from the highlands, who often endure arduous journeys to cast their votes. Comelec - Ilocos Region Director Reddy Balarbar and Pangasinan Provincial Election Supervisor Marino Salas played key roles in approving the request for an additional polling precinct.
The journey to the polling precinct is notably challenging, requiring voters to travel by specialized vehicles and navigate mountainous regions and rivers, taking up to five hours one way. Barangay Fianza is home to 638 regular voters and 215 SK voters for this election, underscoring the need for the new voting center.
Meanwhile, Balarbar announced the introduction of mall voting in the Ilocos Region, with pilot locations at Nepo Mall in Dagupan City and SM City La Union in San Fernando City. This initiative aims to provide convenience and alleviate congestion at existing polling centers in specific barangays.
Despite the Senate's recent approval on second reading of a bill to postpone the BSKE from November 2026 to November 2028 and extend the terms of village and youth officials to five years, Comelec's preparations for the polls continue. Balarbar emphasized the importance of being READY-responsive, excellent, accountable, dedicated, and yield-oriented-and encouraged officers to serve Pangasinenses and Ilocano voters with honor.
