DOST Starts Certification of Electoral Board Members for 2025 Midterm Elections

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has started the certification of Electoral Board (EB) members in preparation for the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025. The certification of EB members as capable of operating the new Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) is a significant step toward ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient electoral process.  

The Certification Program also highlights DOST’s commitment to fostering public trust in electoral integrity by equipping poll workers with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to handle the latest voting technology. In collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the program aims to prepare EB members to manage the ACMs with confidence and precision.   

A total of 81 DOST certifiers and 12 Quick Response Team (QRT) members from various DOST agencies will be deployed across the National Capital Region (NCR) to oversee the certification process. Their collective mission is to certify over 20,000 EB members, ensuring that each is thoroughly prepared to operate the new ACMs under real-world conditions.   

Before taking the certification exams, EB members first underwent a comprehensive training which was conducted by the COMELEC. These sessions covered every aspect of ACM operation, from setting up the machines to troubleshooting common issues, empowering EB members to seamlessly handle potential challenges on election day.   

With COMELEC’s adoption of this voting technology, DOST’s involvement underscores the importance of an adaptive and technology-driven electoral system. By leveraging their expertise, DOST is not only helping safeguard the democratic process but also reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to innovation and progress.   

As the country looks forward to this significant election, the collaborative efforts of DOST, DICT, and COMELEC promise a streamlined, transparent, and secure voting experience for all Filipinos. Through rigorous training and certification, the nation can move forward with confidence, knowing that its electoral process is in capable hands — powered by science, technology, and a deep sense of public service  

By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU