DOST Inks MOA with COMELEC for Automated 2022 Polls

The Department of Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on January 25, in preparation for the upcoming National and Local Elections (NLE) on 09 May 2022.

COMELEC Chairman Sheriff Abas and DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena are the principal signatories to the MOA, while DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang signed as a witness.

COMELEC Director Atty. Margaret Ching discussed that the Agreement details the obligations of the DOST to conduct the examination and certification of teachers who will serve as Electoral Board (EB) members during the 2022 NLE, pursuant to Section 3 of RA No. 9369, also known as the Automated Election System Law. Said law provides that at least one (1) Electoral Board member shall be an information technology-capable person, who is trained or certified by the DOST to use the automated election system.

DOST EB Certification Program Leader and DOST-NCR Regional Director, Jose Patalinjug III, highlighted that the EB Certification process will consist of a written examination and an actual practical examination on the use of the VCM. For the 2022 NLE, the written examination will be done online through the DOST-NCR developed EB Certification Portal. The certification will be conducted in March 2022.

COMELEC Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, Executive Director Bartolome Sinocruz, and Deputy Executive Director for operations Teofisto Elnas Jr. were also present during the ceremony.

By: Shaira P. Rapisora, SCCU