TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban City has recorded the highest number of voter registrants in Eastern Visayas during the first two days of the ongoing voter registration period, according to City Election Officer Atty. Ramon Dadulla Jr.
The surge in turnout is being seen as a strong indication of growing voter engagement in the city. The registration drive, now on its third day, is currently being held at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) after its initial run at Robinsons North Tacloban for the first two days.
“Tacloban has so far registered the highest number of applicants in the region. We’re averaging more than 600 registrants daily,” Dadulla said, citing figures from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
This early influx marks a continuing trend from last year when Tacloban exceeded its voter registration target, recording a total of 5,467 registrants in 2023. Of these, 96 registered under the “Register Anywhere Project.”
Dadulla noted that the strong turnout in Tacloban contrasts with other areas in Leyte, including the cities of Ormoc City and Baybay, and nearby municipalities, where registration figures on the first day were relatively low, averaging just over 100 registrants.
Comelec officials are urging the public not to wait until the last minute, as the registration period ends on August 10. They emphasized the importance of registering early to avoid long lines and last-minute crowding as the deadline approaches.
“We are appealing to the public to take advantage of the current momentum and register as soon as possible,” Dadulla added.
Comelec is ensuring the smooth conduct of the registration process in preparation for future electoral exercises, including the 2025 midterm elections.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
