Comelec-NIR Records Over 72,000 Voter Applications for 2026 Barangay and SK Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has announced a significant milestone in voter registration efforts for the upcoming November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). According to official records, a total of 72,446 applications have been accepted since the registration period began in October 2025. This surge in participation highlights the public's engagement in the democratic process ahead of the crucial local polls.
Breakdown of Voter Applications Across NIR Provinces
Comelec-NIR data, covering the period from October 2025 to January 17, 2026, reveals a detailed provincial breakdown of new voter registrations. Negros Occidental leads with 49,267 new applicants, followed by Negros Oriental with 22,190 applications, and Siquijor contributing 989 applications. Additionally, the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), an initiative designed to streamline voter registration, has processed 71 applicants in Negros Occidental and 226 in Negros Oriental, demonstrating the program's growing reach and accessibility.
Bacolod City's Satellite Voter Registration Initiatives
In Bacolod City, local election officials are actively enhancing voter accessibility through satellite registration drives. City Election Officer lawyer Kathrina Trinio-Caña reported that a satellite voters' registration was held at Ayala Malls Capitol Center from January 19 to January 23, 2026. This temporary setup aims to accommodate residents who may find it challenging to visit the main Comelec office. Trinio-Caña further disclosed that another satellite registration is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, in Barangay Esfefania, with plans for additional sites in the city's barangays pending approval.
During these satellite operations, the main Comelec office near the Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports Center (BaysCenter) remains closed to redirect resources. However, Trinio-Caña assured that after the satellite drives conclude, the office will resume its regular hours from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to continue processing applications. She also noted that Comelec-Bacolod has registered at least 9,000 new applicants from October to December 2025, underscoring the city's proactive efforts in voter enrollment.
Voter Deactivation and Reactivation Procedures in Bacolod
Alongside registration efforts, Comelec-Bacolod is set to deactivate approximately 20,000 registered voters in the city due to their failure to vote in two consecutive elections. Trinio-Caña emphasized that affected individuals have the opportunity to reapply and reactivate their records at the Comelec office, ensuring they can participate in future electoral processes. This measure aligns with Comelec's mandate to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter lists, as outlined in Comelec Resolution 11177, which governs voter registration activities nationwide from October 20, 2025, to May 18, 2026.
National Context and Call for Early Registration
The voter registration drive in NIR is part of a broader national effort under Comelec Resolution 11177, which mandates registration activities across all regions of the Philippines. Comelec officials are urging the public to register early for the Barangay and BSKE elections in November 2026 to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure smooth electoral preparations. This proactive approach aims to foster greater civic participation and uphold the integrity of the democratic process in local governance.
