IN TIME...TEACHERS WOES AND WORRIES

The PCOS Mystery

by Ma. Chona O. Escalona

May 9, 2010 at 7:00 o’clock in the morning, teachers assigned for the automated elections were advised to gather at the Numancia Town Hall for the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines arrival. That was also the day of testing and sealing of this machine.

As per scheduled, the testing and sealing of PCOS machines for the Municipality of Numancia were set on May 8, 2010 yet. But due to the issues about the flashcards’ rampant failures to read data, it was postponed on the following day, May 9.

Teachers followed the advice of the Election Officer, Ms. Stella Barrios who took the place of Mr. Cyrus Melgarejo who was assigned in the Province of Antique. She arrived at the Municipal Hall on the time prescribed.

After we received the necessary documents for the testing and sealing, we proceeded to our respective polling places. We arrived there before eight in the morning.

While patiently waiting for the delivery of the PCOS machine, we prepared several reminders for the registered voters on what to do during Election Day.

Almost all things were set, but the PCOS machine is not yet on sight. Time passed. After almost eight hours of waiting, it finally arrived at Bulwang Elementary School. It was past three in the afternoon.

Teachers almost lost patience, composure and energy. We had skipped breakfast and lunch just to wait for the PCOS arrival. We could never imagine the cause of delay.

As the delivery van arrived, I asked the delivery boy what is the cause of delay. They answered, "The PCOS machine for Barangay Poblacion, Numancia was marked Barangay Tabangka", and so they have to look after it first. Truly, it needs patience in whatever endeavor we got to accomplish.

The testing and sealing of the PCOS machine at barangay Bulwang ended past six o’clock in the evening. It was a great success for no unnecessary and irregularity happened during the testing and sealing of the machine.

The Automated Election

May 10, 2010 marked another milestone in the history of the Philippines. This time, people of our county exercise their right of suffrage and their right to choose who will govern our country for the next six years.

That day was also considered historical for that was the very first automated election held in the Philippines. Everybody was curious and excited. That was the first time people used the new technology in casting votes through the so-called Precinct Count Optical Scan known as PCOS machine.

Teachers were trained on how to manipulate such gadget for the election. I, among all others have many questions and worries on this new process of voting. Being trained for two (2) days at the Sampaguita Gardens, New Washington, we are of mixed emotions of excitement and worries.

Excitement in a way to be able to try and experience the fastest way "as they say" of voting and counting of votes yet, worried in terms of, what if we, teachers couldn’t cope with the proper manipulation and we couldn’t run a smooth sailing election.

As the lecture moved on, a lot of questions and concerns filled up our minds which we threw to the election officer, Mr. Cyrus Melgarejo.

In fairness to Mr. Melgarejo, he answered them patiently and properly concerning the general instructions. But when we had our query regarding the PCOS operation, he admitted, he has limited knowledge on it. Melgarejo tapped the help of some Election Officers from other towns to fill-in his flaw. Not a bad idea at all.

At the time of our final test with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and technology officer Mr. Louie Garcia, we felt thousands of butterflies in our stomach. Some of the teachers cannot eat and even sleep well. They felt like they are lined on the death row. (Smile)

The feeling of being ready with this new technology and the anxiety if we can really manage this first ever automated election with good performance maintaining the cleanliness, orderliness and sacredness notwithstanding the efforts and sacrifices of our noble profession. And with that, I’m so proud to claim that we, teachers are the heroes of every election.

The least we could do is pray silently, fervently and faithfully. Thank God, He heard our prayers. For the first ever automated election here in Aklan turned out quite so well. /MP