The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Albay is urging aspiring barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to attend the ongoing pre-Certificate of Candidacy (COC) orientations to ensure they are properly guided on the filing process and requirements ahead of the Sept. 28 to Oct. 5 filing period.
Provincial election supervisor Maria Aurea Bo-Bunao said the orientations are being held in municipalities across the province to help prospective candidates prepare their documents and avoid delays or repeated trips during the COC filing.
“The pre-COC orientation is where we explain to them the process of filing and the requirements so that when they file their COC from September 28 to October 5, they will no longer have to go back and forth. All their requirements should be correct and complete,” Bunao, a lawyer, said in an interview.
The initiative, organized by Comelec-Albay, is voluntary, but the election official encouraged all aspiring candidates to take part.
She said the orientations also provide prospective candidates with access to the COC forms and other assistance, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, where they can purchase documentary stamps.
She also reminded candidates that they may attach their platform or biodata to their COC, enabling them to present their plans and proposed programs to their fellow barangay residents.
“Preparing to become a barangay or SK official should receive serious attention because the barangay is the closest level of government to the people. They are our neighbors and family members, and their service is something people can directly see and feel,” she said.
She urged aspirants to focus on public service rather than on the personal benefits that may come with holding office.
“For all our aspirants, we hope that genuine service will be the objective and what they have in mind, not what they can gain from the position,” she said.
She likewise encouraged prospective SK officials to look beyond traditional youth activities, such as sports leagues and basketball tournaments, and to develop programs that could improve the lives of young people in their communities.
Meanwhile, Comelec-Albay is also finalizing the list of teachers who will serve during the elections.
The pre-COC orientation schedule spans various municipalities throughout August and September.
Manito town held its sessions on Aug. 13, 14, 17, 18, and 19, while Malilipot held its orientation on Aug. 22.
Polangui is scheduled to hold sessions on Aug. 25, 26, 27 and 29, followed by Pioduran and Ligao City on Sept. 2 and Sept. 2 to 4, respectively.
Guinobatan will conduct sessions on Aug. 22 and 29, and Sept. 1, 8 and 16, while Sto. Domingo is scheduled on Sept. 1 and Camalig on Sept. 4 and 16.
In September, Jovellar will hold its orientation from Sept. 8 to 11, followed by Oas on Sept. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15; Bacacay on Sept. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14; and Rapu-Rapu on Sept. 9 to 11.
Daraga and Legazpi City are scheduled from Sept. 14 to 18, while Tabaco City and Libon will conduct their orientations from Sept. 15 to 18. Tiwi will hold its sessions on Sept. 17 and 18, while Malinao is scheduled on Sept. 24 and 25. (PNA)