TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- About 100 youth leaders in the province of Tarlac participated in the voter's education virtual forum for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
 
Kilos Kabataan: Makibahagi sa BSKE 2023 intends to inform the youth on the guidelines for the upcoming elections as well as to encourage them to participate in the electoral process.
 
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Assistant Regional Director Carlo Lorenzo Datu emphasized the role of the youth in ensuring accountability and transparency among community leaders.
 
“Democracy begins at the grassroots level where the voice of every citizen matters so let us remember that our collective participation shapes the future of our communities,” Datu said.
 
During the forum, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Tarlac City Elections Officer Ruth Dimarucut shared the guidelines and calendar of activities in line with BSKE 2023.
 
“On October 30, 2023, registered voters may begin casting their votes in their respective clustered precincts at 7:00 AM up to 3:00 PM,” Dimarucut said.
 
Unlike the National and Local Elections 2022, voting during BSKE 2023 will be through pen and paper hence, erasures should be avoided.
 
“We remind everyone that taking selfies with or photos of the ballot is strictly prohibited,” she underscored.

Filing of Certificates of Candidacy will be on August 28 to September 2, while the Election Period will last from August 28 to November 29. Campaign Period will start on October 19 up to October 28 only.
 
Meanwhile, Tarlac Police Acting Provincial Operations and Management Unit Chief Police Major Joshua Gonzales assured the voters of the security preparations in place for the elections.
 
“We have established a Provincial Task Group for BSKE 2023, wherein we will be deploying personnel in the various polling precincts in the whole province to immediately respond to the security needs of voters,” Gozales stated.
 
The province has a total of 480 voting centers: 215 in the first district; 164 in the second district; and 101 in the third district.
 
For his part, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations Officer Jefferson Tungpalan urged the youth to use the elections as a platform for them to express their opinion, make a difference, and be a catalyst for positive change.
 
“You are not just leaders of tomorrow, you have the power to shape the present and create a better future for all but first and foremost, it is essential for you to exercise your right to vote,” he noted.
 
The first leg of Kilos Kabataan: Makibahagi sa BSKE 2023 was organized by PIA in partnership with COMELEC, Tarlac Police Provincial Office, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the municipal governments of Capas, Sta. Ignacia, La Paz, and Paniqui. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)