Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) on Monday deployed personnel from its Protective Services Division to monitor the condition of persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, and senior citizens in various precincts in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio stated that the monitoring teams were part of the Quick Response Team assigned to priority polling places (PPPs) identified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Their task is to assess the overall voting experience of vulnerable voters, focusing on accessibility, security, and opportunities for improvement in polling place operations.

Laurio emphasized that the initiative is designed to gather firsthand data on the experiences of PWDs and elderly voters. The goal is to design future systems and procedures that will ensure these sectors can exercise their right to vote free from discrimination or barriers.

The activity is part of a broader collaborative effort among the Comelec, DSWD, and the National Council on Disability Affairs, established through a tripartite memorandum of agreement in the central office cascaded to regional offices. This partnership highlights a shared commitment to enhancing the voting experience for marginalized sectors by promoting inclusive and accessible electoral processes.

The agency stated that it continues to champion policies and programs that uphold the dignity and rights of society’s most disadvantaged members.