DOST-NCR Trains EB Certifiers on the Use of the Vote Counting Machine

The DOST-National Capital Region spearheaded the Electoral Board (EB) Certifiers' hands-on training on Vote Counting Machine (VCM) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Office in Quezon City on February 15, 2022.

A total of 65 Certifiers from the different DOST agencies in the NCR were trained on the operation of the VCM. This was followed by a practical examination on the identification of parts and features and actual operation of the machine.

The Certifiers' training and practical examination were conducted in preparation for the certification of teachers endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd) who will serve as EB members in the May 2022 National and Local polls.

Mr. Warren D. Gomez, CAMANAVA Clustered Area Science and Technology Center (CASTC) Director and EB Regional Core Certifier, mentioned that 50 DOST Certifiers will be deployed for the certification of 21,076 teachers in NCR. These teachers will undergo both an online theoretical examination utilizing the DOST-NCR-developed EB Certification Portal, and hands-on practical test on the use of the VCM.

The certification process, which is set to roll out nationwide in March 2022, is pursuant to Republic Act No. 9369 or the Amended Automated Election Law. Said law mandates the DOST to certify EB members who will serve during national and local elections.