Come with me today as I attend the Electoral Board Members and Barangay Board of Canvassers’ Briefing and DEPED Supervisors (DESO), DESO SS Coordination Meeting, in connection for the upcoming October 30,2023 Philippine Barangay and SK Election (BSKE) which is held in Tabogon Sports Complex. Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines.
The Philippines will be conducting a Barangay and SK Election on October 30,2023 and I will serve on the election as a poll clerk. As a poll clerk, it is my duty to assist the presiding officer to run a polling station. My job description as a poll clerk involves helping in setting up the polling stations, assist in the issuance of the ballot papers to the voters, mark the electoral register and assist in making sure of the accurate completion of paperworks.
Tabogon is a thirty to fourty minute ride via motorcylce from our house which is located in Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu.
On our way to Tabogon, we got caught by the strong rain so we had to stop by a waiting shed to wait for the rain to stop. We were already drenched and couldn’t manage to get even more drenched as we were going to attend the briefing, therefore, we had to stop by to get some shed. We were stranded for about twenty minutes. And when the rain subsided, we then headed to Tabogon Coverd Court.
The Tabogon Covered Court Building - Poblacion, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines
Tabogon Rural Health Unit - Poblacion, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines
LOVE TABOGON, LOVE PHILIPPINES Signage
Tabogon Plaza - Poblacion, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines
Tabogon Police Station - Poblacion, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines
We parked our motorcycle outside the Tabogon Sports Complex and these are the structures within the Tabogon Sports Complex Vicinity that you will see. Tabogon has indeed a lot to offer.
Due to being stranded by the rain, we got a bit late and when we arrived, we saw these people in the queue waiting to sign the attendance sheets. We then fell in line and patiently waited for our turn.
After a few minutes of waiting in line, the porgram started by an opening prayer and followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
After filling out the attendance sheet, we were given this booklet which contained The General Instructions On Voting, Counting of Votes, and Canvassing. Inside this booklet is a bunch of rules and regulations to follow for the upcoming October 30, 2023 Philippine Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
We then find some seats and suit ourselves while listening to the speaker. It is our obligation not just to listen but to comprehend carefully what our roles are, what the rules are as well to achieve a smooth and convenient Election experience.
Inside the Tabogon Sports Complex
The best thing about the Tabogon Sports Complex is that it is fully airconditioned and if the air conditioners are not turned on, there are two huge fans that can aid in the proper ventilation of the place. There are also a lot of chairs for everyone. It also has a built in LED Projector which is convenient when there are programs or meetings hosted in the place, just like what we are attending today.
Most of the people present here today are public school teachers, public school principals, and other professionals. I have also seen a policeman attend today’s briefing. It is important that we all work hand in hand to achieve the smooth and peaceful election we are all aiming for.
There are a lot for today’s discussion but let me share with you a snippet of one of the best parts about serving during Philippine Election.
Serving in the election is not an easy job. It is even a very risky one. Chaos can never be foreseen and everyone’s safety might be at risk therefore it is essential that Election Servers be compensated well enough and reasonably.
I indeed learned a lot from today’s briefing and I can say I am ready to serve the election. I am equipped with the knowledge I need.
There were free snacks sponsored by the COMELEC and there were gentlemen who were kind enough to pass it through to everyone.
Then after a few hours of some lecture, it was time for lunch. They also provided free lunch which was Bicol express, pork lumpia and rice plus a bottle of soda. Thank you COMELEC for never letting us go home hungry.
The lecturer discussed so much information and the essentials for the election. It was very informative.
I got a bit bored so I grabbed the snacks I brought which was huevos from Bakerlane Bakery a famous bakeshop in Medellin, Northern Cebu. I also brought my own water. After having snacks I felt a bit energized.
Say hi to my seatmates @missbebeth and @annetimistic we all struck a pose in the middle of the seminar.
The seminar was halfway finished, and I realized a lot of things.
➣ We must always vote WISELY. Our votes hold the key to our future as a community. It is in our hands to choose the rightful persons for the positions.
➣ Never engage in vote buying because a two hundred peso bill can never suffice how many years of being in service.
➣ Think twice before you shade the ballots. You must always make sure to choose the right candidate.
➣ Election Day is fast approaching so we must be ready for it and we must be prepared for whatever possibilities may happen.
➣ For the candidates and their families, win or loose, if it is in your will to serve, losing won’t hinder you from serving the barangay
➣ For us election servers, we must always be cautious and alert. Be mindful of the people and happenings around us and remember to always follow the protocols.
➣ Most importantly, may you remember that this election too shall pass so never trade your relationships with your good friends and neighbors just for the sake of this election. We all have different mindsets, different choices, and we have to respect each one for that. You can never force someone to choose someone you like just because you want to. We all decide on our own. We are adults. We have our own decision-making skills.
The seminar ended and then we headed home. Here is some of the amazing view from Tabogon to Caduawan.
My hometown Tabogon is such a priceless gem found in the northernmost part of Cebu City. There are a lot of amazing views and wonderful tourist spots to explore. Hope to see you around! Ciao!