By Crisdeniele H. Clemente 

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Ilocos Norte and the Mariano Marcos State University Office of the Student Affairs and Services (MMSU-OSAS) hosted a voter education and registration fair for students today, February 13 at the Teatro Ilocandia.

In preparation for the 2025 midterm elections, the initiative aims to enlighten the youth about their voting rights and the electoral process in the country. This will also encourage them to participate actively in the COMELEC's ongoing voter registration campaign.

Over 400 faculty and students from the National Service Training and Program class, Laboratory High School – Batac campus, Immaculate Conception Academy, and Batac Junior College participated in the lecture and registration.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prima Fe Franco, warmly welcomed the COMELEC officials and attendees during the opening program. She emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating "This activty is a testament of the conglomeration of efforts to achieve the goal. Rest assured that MMSU will help COMELEC in this particular campaign."

To promote voting awareness, Atty. Noli Pipo, Regional Election Director of Region I, delivered an empowering message by underscoring the significance of informed and engaged voters in a thriving democracy "When you grow up, and you are already a registered voter you have a responsibility. The hope of the motherland is in you,” he said. 

Atty. Alipio Alonzo Castillo III, Provincial Election Supervisor of Ilocos Norte, highlighted the significance  of practicing the right to vote and encouraged the students to become wise in choosing the right public servants.

Furthermore, Mr. Mark Christopher Ramirez, Information Officer II of the COMELEC Education and Information Department, presented the different rights and responsibilities of Filipino voters. 

OSAS Director Prof. Emil James Tanagon ensures the active participation of MMSU students in the upcoming elections by providing a platform for them to gain valuable insights into the electoral process further.

Also present in the event are Atty. Reddy Balarbar, assistant regional director of Region I, Atty. Julius Harvey Balbas, election officer of Laoag City, Ms. Joeann Perez, J.D., acting city election officer of the City of Batac, Ms Liezel Macasu and Mr. Peter Madlos from the COMELEC National Office.

In a courtesy call last week, Dr. Agrupis expressed her support for COMELEC’s initiative and recommended the inclusion of voters' registration details in the student portal with assistance from the MMSU Information Technology Center (ITC). Atty. Castillo III, Ms. Perez, and other COMELEC staff were present at the said meeting. (MKA_StratCom)