MANILA (April 8) — A total of 3.7 million Filipinos have already applied to vote in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, signaling strong early participation driven largely by urban and densely populated regions, according to the Commission on Elections.
Data released by the poll body showed 3,697,800 voter registration applications as of March 31, with Calabarzon topping the list at 610,859 applicants. Other high-performing regions include Central Luzon (417,603), the National Capital Region (372,503), Central Visayas (219,972), and Bicol (219,766).
In contrast, geographically smaller and less populated areas posted lower figures. The Cordillera Administrative Region recorded the fewest applicants at 50,465, while Caraga (110,775) and Mimaropa (110,809) also lagged behind.
The Comelec attributed part of the turnout to its “register anywhere, anytime” initiative, which allows applicants to file voter registration without returning to their home provinces—an approach aimed at easing access for students, workers, and migrants in urban centers.
Voter registration remains open until May 18, giving millions more eligible Filipinos, particularly first-time youth voters for SK, a window to participate in one of the country’s most localized but politically influential elections.
