In my previous blog, I shared our preparations for the BSKE 2023 - (Barangay and SK Election 2023) here in the Philippines. Today is finally the day of the election, and as a poll clerk for the Commission on Election, I'm ready to perform my duties and tell you all about it. Join me as I take you through my experience at Mabuli Elementary School in Mabuli, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from our house.
As soon as I got off from the motorcycle, I was greeted with this stunning sight. Mabuli, a barangay nestled in the mountains, boasts numerous scenic views. The lush greenery that blankets the place is truly calming to the senses, and the melodious chirping of birds adds to the serene ambiance. What a perfect welcome for us all indeed. This is Mabuli Elementary School's view outside of their school.
I made my way towards my designated classroom. Despite not being very large, the school is perfectly sized to cater to the local population. The school even boasts a mini garden, and the classrooms are modern and well-designed. Overall, the school is clean and well-maintained.
On Election Day, the electoral board ensured that people were safe and that their votes were secured. To maintain confidentiality, only snippets of information can be shared. After voting, people marked their index fingers with ink to show they had cast their vote. The day was successful and peaceful, and I am proud to have served on the electoral board during this important event.For today, my designated role is to be a poll clerk. There are a lot of duties and responsibilities that I need to take care of and it is my honor to serve the country especially during this time of election. It is my first time to serve as a poll clerk for a barangay and sk election. I was happy it ended peaceful and successful.
Today, I am working with ma'am @simplybil and Ma'am Edgil. They are so fun and easy to work with and they made the task easier.
It then rained hard in the afternoon when we were almost done counting the votes. I was terrified because the school we are assigned to, Mabuli Elementary School, is quite a far-flung area, and if it's raining, the roads will get bumpy and slippery, and it is hazardous to travel the road, especially when it's raining because it's slippery and wet. That's probably one of the first things I thought in mind that scared me the most. Good thing the Tabogon Disaster Risk and Reduction Management have a car and that was our means of transportation headed towards Tabogon. Here is a picture of some dogs who shed some for a while since the rain was pouring strongly. We were waiting for our ride towards Tabogon to deliver the ballot boxes to the Commission on Elections.
After collecting the ballot boxes, we hit the road and headed towards Tabogon for delivery. Attached is a photo of myself and the fellow teachers who were assigned to the Mabuli Elementary School electoral board for the Commission on Election. The journey was enjoyable and memorable, and I am grateful that we arrived at our destination safely.
The Philippine election season is filled with challenges, excitement, and thrills for everyone involved. However, it is crucial to remember that we must choose our votes wisely, as they determine the future of our community. It is up to us to select the most deserving and capable candidates for the positions they are running for. We should also keep in mind that breaking relationships and friendships over elections is not worth it. I have witnessed people quarreling and severing ties with their neighbors and friends over political differences. We must remember that the election is only temporary, but the relationships we build with our neighbors and friends are permanent. Let us work together and maintain teamwork, never taking things personally.
I came to realize how much I appreciate the hard work of our teachers and electoral boards. We all patiently managed all the votes and ballot boxes while ensuring that the vote count was fair and equal. Our job is not easy and it can be physically draining, but we do it for the love of our country and our aim for a peaceful and successful election. It's important to acknowledge and thank everyone who worked for the Electoral Boards, the Commission on Election committee, the watchers, the local security officers, the Philippine National Police who provided policemen to each voting stations, and all those who ensured that we had a safe and successful election in 2023. I hope that everyone made the right decision in choosing the best people to win. Ciao!