The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has successfully processed a significant number of new voter applications in preparation for the upcoming November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). From February 9 to 14, 2026, the electoral body accepted applications from 11,196 new registrants across the region, marking a crucial step in ensuring broad participation in the local polls.
Detailed Breakdown of New Voter Applications
Comelec-NIR records provide a comprehensive breakdown of the new voter applications by province and gender. In Negros Occidental, a total of 7,194 individuals registered, with 3,372 being female and 3,817 also female, indicating a strong female turnout. Meanwhile, Negros Oriental saw 3,748 registrants, comprising 1,272 males and 2,021 females. Siquijor contributed 254 new voters, with 124 males and 130 females completing the registration process.
Register Anywhere Program Gains Traction
In addition to the standard registration, the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) facilitated 283 applications during the same period. Of these, 266 registrants hailed from Negros Oriental, with 95 males and 171 females, while 17 came from Negros Occidental, including 8 males and 9 females. This initiative aims to make voter registration more accessible and convenient for residents across the island.
Cumulative Registration Figures Since October 2025
Since the voter registration period began in October 2025 and concluded on February 14, 2026, Comelec-NIR has accepted a total of 109,509 applications for the November 2026 Barangay and BSKE elections. The distribution shows 73,889 registrants from Negros Occidental, 33,745 from Negros Oriental, and 1,875 from Siquijor. For the RAP, the cumulative count reached 664 applicants, with 526 from Negros Oriental and 138 from Negros Occidental.
Satellite Registration in Bacolod City
In Bacolod City, City Election Officer lawyer Kathrina Trinio-Caña announced plans for a satellite voters’ registration event in Barangay Taculing on February 17, 2026. This initiative targets residents of voting age who need to submit applications for registration, transfer, reactivation, or correction of entry. To accommodate this off-site activity, voter registration at the Comelec BaysCenter will be temporarily suspended on that date.
Trinio-Caña emphasized that applicants must bring original and photocopied versions of all required documents and valid identification cards addressed to Barangay Taculing to expedite processing. She noted that Comelec personnel might request additional supporting documents during screening, depending on the application type or presented requirements.
Registration Policies and Guidelines
The satellite registration will operate on a "First Come, First Served Policy", with a capacity limited to 600 slots regardless of transaction type. This includes accommodations for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Pregnant Women. Only authorized Comelec personnel are permitted to issue queuing numbers to applicants, and numbers issued by barangay personnel or other unauthorized individuals will not be honored.
Trinio-Caña clarified that queuing numbers will be issued exclusively to applicants who present complete and valid requirements. Comelec has urged all prospective voters to arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure a smooth registration process. This proactive approach aims to enhance voter engagement and streamline electoral preparations for the 2026 BSKE.
