MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is calling on the public, particularly new and first-time voters, to participate in the nationwide voter registration that began Friday ahead of the December 1, 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia reported strong turnout at local election offices, satellite registration centers across the country, and Special Register Anywhere/Anytime Program (SRAP) sites in Metro Manila, despite the launch falling on a weekday.

“This favorable outcome during the first day of voter registration is a clear testament of the Filipino people’s willingness to exercise their right of suffrage come next elections and actively participate in the democratic process,” Garcia said in a statement.

The poll body is aiming to register at least one million new voters during the 10-day registration period, including around 500,000 youth voters aged 15 to 17 who are signing up for the first time.

The registration runs until August 10. Meanwhile, SRAP services in the National Capital Region are available until August 7.

Garcia also encouraged the public to visit Comelec’s main office in Intramuros, Manila, where an SRAP site is operating at the Chairman’s Hall, Ground Floor of the Palacio del Gobernador, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 7.

“We invite the public to take advantage of the SRAP services, while enjoying the sights of historic Intramuros,” he added. (PNA)