“STATUS: NO RECORD FOUND”. This was the response I got from the Commission on Election online precinct finder when I checked last week in preparation for the May 12 election.
The information caused me some worry. Have I been dropped from the list? As far as I remember, I skipped voting just once – during the last barangay election – and I know that Comelec deletes a name only when one hasn’t voted in two consecutive elections.
Concerned of my voter registration status and thinking there was just some breakdown in the system, I checked again the following day. The same “no-record-found” reply flashed onscreen. I logged in again later that day. No hope, I have become an unlisted voter in the Comelec online master list.
As the Comelec office in the city is just a stone’s throw from the Negros Press Club (and considering my disabled physical condition), I requested an NPC colleague, Jurgen Jubsay, to help verify my voter’s status.
It was just a breeze for Jurgen who was told that I am still am in the active voters’ list as I had been in 2022 during the presidential election.
In this age of technological breakthroughs it is saddening to realize that the electoral body’s system has become unreliable – at least as I experienced.
We hope that this time, the outcome on Monday will leave no cloud of doubt on its reliability despite the precinct finder glitch that I encountered.
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Also on Monday, Buddhists all over the world observe Vesak to celebrate the birth, the awakening, or enlightenment, and the death of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama.
I remember an Inter-faith dialogue among university professors that I attended years back that led me to greater understanding and respect for other religions.
My trip to Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country, as a visiting lecturer also paved the way for a wider perspective and appreciation of Buddhism through students I interacted with during my stay. A trip to the country may not be complete without taking a trip to a Buddhist temple.
During my stay, I was taken by my hosts to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Chaukhtatgyi Temple, where a 66-m reclining Buddha is found, and the Kyauk Taw Gyi temple as well as other smaller structures of worship.
Have a blessed celebration, my Buddhist friends.
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Also observed on Monday is International Nurses Day to highlight the contributions nurses make to societies around the world.
The day recalls the 1820 birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing.
The observance is of significant to about 250,000 Filipino nurses serving outside the country.
On Thursday, May 15, the global community will celebrate International Day of Families.
The event will focus on the “pivotal role of family-oriented policies in advancing the UN-initiated Sustainable Development Goals.
Three events are calendared on Friday, May 16. These are International Day of Living Together in Peace, International Day of Light and Love a Tree Day.
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IDLTP highlights the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity.
Proponents say the day “aims to uphold the desire to live together, United in differences and diversity to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.”
The Day of Light, on the other hand, commemorates the first successful use of laser in 1960 by Thwodore Maiman, a physicist.
The celebration highlights the importance of light-based technologies in science, education and sustainable development.
On Love a Tree Day, people can observe the occasion by giving them a hug in appreciation of their role in, among others, reducing erosion, moderating climate and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Whatever event appeals to you, have a meaningful and enjoyable celebration.
And Happy Mother’s Day to all!
May God guide us, as we observed this week’s events, especially as we vote on election day.
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If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5) | NWI
