Commission on Elections (COMELEC) urged registered youth voters in the province of Pampanga to vote in the 2022 National and Local Elections on May 9.

Provincial Election Supervisor Rommel Rama stressed that the participation of the youth in the election process is crucial in choosing the most qualified candidates who have the capability to lead the nation towards a better one.

Meanwhile, he assured the voters that COMELEC will implement health safety measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic including compulsory checking of temperature prior to entry at the voting center.

“Individuals who will record 37.5°C and higher and will show Covid-19 like symptoms will be asked to cast their votes in the designated isolation polling place established in every voting center,” Rama said during the fifth leg of the Kilos Kabataan: Makibahagi sa Halalan! voter’s education webinar.

He added that there will be designated Department of Education Supervising Official Safety Protocol Officer Support Staff who will be in charge of ensuring that minimum public health standards are observed within the voting centers.

Physical distancing will be strictly implemented inside voting precincts with the maximum allowable number of voters depending on the size of the classroom.

“Let us not also forget to wear our face masks and face shields when we go out to vote. We also advise voters to bring their own pens. Let us observe health standard protocols so that we can prevent having new infections or Covid-19 cases on election day,” he said.

Voting hours have also been extended from 6:00AM to 7:00PM.

The province of Pampanga has a total of 1,580,473 registered voters for the 2022 National and Local Elections.

Angeles City has the highest number of registered voters with 205,822 followed by City of San Fernando with 190,977 and Mabalacat City with 131,974.

The fifth leg of Kilos Kabataan: Makibahagi sa Halalan! was organized by Philippine Information Agency in partnership with COMELEC, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Youth Commission, University of the Assumption, and Mabalacat City College. (PIA 3)