IPs to have 64 accessible voting centers for 2025 polls – NCIP

Commission on Elections. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to promote inclusivity and the right to suffrage, the indigenous peoples (IPs) of the country will have 64 accessible voting centers (AVCs) for the 2025 elections, according to the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las on Tuesday.

During the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the NCIP and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Sibug-Las said that the initiative is an opportunity for the IPs to be given “full access” and support to participate in the elections.

“Through the collaborative efforts between the Comelec and the NCIP, we will see the creation of accessible of creation of AVCs. We will have 64 ACs established for the 2025 elections,” Sibug-Las said in her speech.

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Aside from the establishment of AVCs for the IPs, the signed MOA also includes increasing the number of registered IPs voters; updating the voter registration records of IPs to facilitate their voting experience in AVCs and special polling places (SPP); and monitoring the election process on election day.

“These mechanisms are in place, and are not only promoting the right to suffrage but are also affirming the dignity and every importance of every Filipino in shaping the future of this nation,” Sibug-Las added.

The NCIP chairperson also shared the longstanding struggles of IPs, where they have to endure their geographical location just to cast their votes, which is oftentimes hindered by their financial capacity to do so.

The sentiments were then echoed by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, who said that every Filipino should have an equal opportunity to vote.

“Dapat lahat may pakialam, may partisipasyon. Dapat lahat nakakaboto. Dapat lahat nakakapagrehistro (Everyone should be involved. Everyone should vote. Everyone should register [to vote]),” Garcia said in his speech.

Further, the signed partnership stated that “[t]he COMELEC and NCIP shall develop and execute an information campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the votes of IPs, the procedures for the registration and IP voting on election day, and the process on how to [request] the creation of IP established precincts for AVCs and SPPs nationwide.”

The MOA also noted that the NCIP is also tasked to monitoring the conduct of the IP voting and the outcome on election day while both parties are responsible for preparing a consolidated report on the voter registration and the overall implementation of the project within 30 calendar days after the elections.