The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is holding a series of roadshows this January to introduce the automated counting machine (ACM) for the May 12 national and local elections to voters in Negros Occidental.

In this highly urbanized Bacolod City, the venue will be in colleges and universities from January 11 to 24.

Participants will include students and personnel of STI – West Negros University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University – Alijis Campus, Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod, Riverside College, La Consolacion College, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, Bacolod City College, Barangay Singcang – Airport National High School, and Bacolod City National High School.

Between January 10 and 31, roadshows will be held separately in barangay halls, covered courts, school campuses and other venues listed by the Comelec in 31 cities and municipalities, except for Pontevedra town, based on the schedule as of January 8.

Negros Island Region Election Director Lionel Marco Castillano earlier said they intend to show the ACMs to various sectors to encourage acceptance of the counting system.

“There is one machine for each city and municipality. This time, we will show the ACMs to each and every one,” he added.

The ACM has cutting-edge features, such as a 14-inch touchscreen, sensor, scanner, printer, camera, universal serial bus ports, external keypad, and a voter’s receipt receptacle.

South Korean joint venture firm Miru Systems was tapped by Comelec as the service provider of the new Full Automation System with Transparency and Audit/Count (FASTrAC) for the 2025 midterm elections. (PNA)