DAMAGED. A roofless classroom in Southern Leyte damaged by Typhoon Odette last year. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is building more makeshift precincts in Eastern Visayas, allowing typhoon victims and those from the vulnerable sector to cast their votes. (Photo courtesy of Comelec Region 8)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has assured the completion of all 118 makeshift precincts in Eastern Visayas before election day, allowing typhoon victims and those from the “vulnerable sector” to cast their votes.
Comelec Eastern Visayas assistant regional director Felicisimo Embalsado said on Wednesday all temporary precincts are completed in the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar, and Leyte while those in Southern Leyte are still ongoing.
“There was a delay for areas affected by Typhoon Odette in Southern Leyte due to limited supply of construction materials, but we are sure that it will be completed before May 7,” Embalsado told reporters.
Completed are two makeshift precincts in Catbalogan City in Samar; 29 in the towns of San Antonio, San Isidro, Allen, Lope de Vega, Victoria, Mondragon, Silvino Lubos, Palapag, Laoang, Biri, and Bobon town in Northern Samar.
These structures in Samar provinces are for elderlies and persons with disabilities categorized by Comelec as a vulnerable sector.
Also finished are seven temporary precincts in Palo, Hilongos, and Mahaplag towns in Leyte province devastated by past calamities.
Partially completed are 80 makeshift precincts in the Typhoon Odette-affected towns of San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Sogod, Bontoc, Maasin City, and Macrohon in Southern Leyte.
For landslide-hit communities in Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte, the Comelec has designated nearby schools as precincts for landslide survivors.
“Through these makeshift centers, we are giving everyone the opportunity to cast their votes even if their classrooms are damaged by calamities. We have to find ways,” Embalsado said.
The precincts will be made up of coconut lumber, plywood, and tent but will be the same as the size of the classrooms in the communities.
Each structure will cost about PHP50,000. (PNA)
