The Commission on Elections in Negros Oriental will look into the causes of the perceived low turnout in the registration of persons with disabilities in the province on Saturday.

Provincial election supervisor Eddie Aba said he was surprised to learn of the lack of communication with the PWDs and agencies, like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, about the national day of voters’ registration for the disabled.

COMELEC records show many towns and cities in Negros Oriental with zero turn-out, like Canlaon, Bayawan, Tayasan, Bacong, Bindoy, Ayungon, Zamboanguita, Manjuyod, Amlan, Guihulngan City, Sibulan, San Jose and La Libertad.

Dumaguete had seven new registrants, Tanjay City had six new and one validation, Basay and Mabinay with one each validation, Valencia with two new registrations and one validation, Jimalalud, two new registrations; Sta. Catalina, six new; Dauin, six validation and one correction/reactivation; Vallehermoso, four new, one transfer from outside and one correction of entry; Bais City and Siaton with two new registrations each, and Pamplona with three validation and one correction.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Alice Legarde said there are more than 2,000 PWDs belonging to a federation in Negros Oriental, although it could not be ascertained if all of them are of voting age.

Some of the PWDs are already registered voters, although others could still reach the voting age as the registration period lasts until October 31.

Aba has assured the PWDs that they will be provided easy access to the registration site in the coming weeks, as some of the COMELEC sites are located at the second floor of buildings.*JFP

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