BEING at the age of adulthood comes with the responsibility of choosing the things you think would work best for everyone. One of these responsibilities is selecting the right leaders who are capable of making the world a better place. 

Last April, the barangay of Malhacan, Meycauayan Bulacan conducted a voter registration for the community. The registration was held in the barangay hall–where approximately hundreds of Meycauayan residents came to register and renew their voter ID. 

As someone who will be voting for the first time, the idea of having to participate in the registration feels like a foreign task due to the fact that the whole thing is new to me.

What I once thought was just a simple adulting activity that I could immediately cross off my bucket list carried this strange feeling of heaviness as the day of registration approached. 

There was a feeling of excitement and a sense of worry that has been growing inside me–thinking about this new thing that I am about to sign up for. 

In an advisory made by Comelec, the following requirements that make a resident eligible includes: 

• Being at least 18 years old on the day of the national and local elections

• Being a  resident of the Philippines for at least one year and in the place where he or she proposes to vote for at least six months preceding the elections.
• And is not disqualified from any law 

The day before the registration, my father told me that I should bring some IDs and a document that would prove my residency within the area. Some of the identifications I brought with me were my school college ID and barangay clearance. 

My father also advised me to take additional identification with me, leading me to bring my Philippine passport which would serve as my supporting document. 

According to Comelec, the list of valid IDs that can be used for the voter’s registration includes: 

• PhilSys National ID card;
• Postal ID card;
• PWD ID Card student’s ID card or library card, signed by the school authority;
• Senior citizen’s ID card
• LTO driver’s license/student permit
• NBI clearance
• Philippine passport
• SSS/GSIS ID or other UMID card
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines or IBP card
• Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) License
• Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for members of ICCs or IPs
• Barangay Identification/Certification with photo
• Any other government-issued valid IDs

On the day of voter registration, hundreds of Malhacan residents arrived at the barangay hall to register. 

Despite arriving early, I – and my parents who accompanied me – was greeted by a long line reaching the fourth floor of the building. 

Courtesy:  republicasia 

With the large number of people in the area, some could not wait and decided to cut the line.

Me and my parents waited in line for hours, until we finally arrived at the top floor where the registration was being conducted. 

I thought we were done queuing, but we were yet again greeted by another line where I would be providing proof of residence and identity.

Here we were greeted by a barangay official who checked my identification. After which, we moved to another line where I had to fill out a form which required my full name, address, and contact details, as well as my biometric prints. 

Courtesy: republicasia

And finally, last step is where my picture was taken to complete the registration. 

Courtesy: republicasia

Registering to vote for next year’s elections feels like a pivotal moment in my life, as I get to participate in something that can help make the Philippines a better home for each Filipino. 

This might seem like a small step, but I know I can make a difference. Having to vote for the next set of leaders is an opportunity for change and being a voter gives us the power to make decisions on the quality life that we want for ourselves and our community.