In a significant voter education initiative, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) joined forces to inform approximately 500 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Liloan, Cebu about the features of the automated counting machine (ACM) set to be used in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. The session, held on January 27, 2025, aimed to empower these beneficiaries with knowledge about their voting rights and the technology that will facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
Shalaine Marie Lucero, Director of DSWD-Central Visayas, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that it is crucial for 4Ps beneficiaries to become active and informed voters. She highlighted the need for these individuals to resist the temptation of vote-selling, a practice that undermines the integrity of elections. The ACM, which was the focus of the educational session, boasts several advanced features including an optical mark reader, direct recording electronic capabilities, a battery life exceeding 14 hours, a 14-inch touchscreen, rapid scanning, automatic receipt cutting, a built-in compartment for voter receipts, and special accessibility features for voters with disabilities.
Looking ahead, the DSWD plans to further promote active citizenship among 4Ps beneficiaries through the program’s monthly Family Development Sessions, ensuring that the lessons learned from the voter education initiative continue to resonate and influence positive civic engagement.