May 10, 2010 was a day to remember. It was neither my birthday nor any special occasion. It was neither my first day of job nor passing from any exam. It was not even an anniversary with special ‘whoever’ or any date with a popular celebrity. It was a remarkable day not only for me but also to all Filipinos who share the same aspiration that someday our nation will be at ease. It was a historic day for everyone who holds democracy and truth dear in their hearts. May 10, 2010 was not only a notable date to Filipinos but also to the neighboring countries for it was the first time for us to hold automated elections. Yes, it was the first ever Automated National and Local Elections. And this was made possible by the joint force of Smartmatic and TIM through their technological creation called the PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scanner).
But what really made this day a remarkable event for me? I was not a candidate for any position or a relative of an aspiring candidate. I was neither a supporter of any aspirant who says flowery and flattery speeches nor an ally of any political party. It was the fact that I had served my fellowmen made this happening a remarkable event of a lifetime. It was through being a PCOS Technician that made me euphoric.
The screening was bit tough. I was so nervous when the coordinator called and informed me that my application was granted and that they were setting for an interview and training. By then, never ending questions almost broke my head. Would I take the chance or not? Would I accept the opportunity or run away from responsibility? Anyway, there’s no harm in trying. Should I pass or fail from the training, nothing will be lost. In fact, I’ll be gaining more knowledge from it. So then, I confidently confirmed my presence in the training.
The day for the interview and training came. The feeling I had when the coordinator called me had stricken me again. Nervousness. It seemed my feet were holding me back from the venue. But as what I have thought, there’s no harm in trying. Luckily, three of my co- applicants were my former schoolmates. So, I became more confident with my every move.
At first, I was reluctant to carry the box containing the PCOS machine. What if I might break it? What if the machine will be destroyed? Ha! Apparently, I have many what- ifs running on my mind that very moment. And the fact that it cost much made me more hesitant to touch any single part of it.
At the end of the day, I just saw myself packing the machine and arranging its components inside the PCOS box. And luckily, I was able to top among the other applicants. I was first in the ranking actually.
May 10 was fast approaching. The big day was getting closer to its realization. Pressure. Review. Pressure. Every day, I would read the manual from page to page, cover to cover. I would analyze every single detail from the Testing and Sealing Day up to the actual Election Day. I spent my summer vacation reading the manual over and over again for I wanted that my tasks be done accordingly.
Then one day, the coordinator informed me that I’ll be deployed in a remote barangay called San Benigno. According to him, it was a place where signal was deprived. Seemingly, it was a mountainous place. To my disappointment that I’ll be assigned to a distant area, I even requested the coordinator to reassign me to a nearer barangay. Sadly, the report was done. So then, I began accepting it.
My disappointment had turned out to be a fulfillment when the Final Testing and Sealing Day came. As I, together with the three BEI’s (Board of Election Inspectors) and the barangay captain, was heading our way to the place, I was totally amazed with the superb and gigantic mountain ranges. It was naturally beautiful and eye- captivating. The lush mountain trees made the ambiance even more relaxing. The air coming in to my lungs was so fresh. The wide rice and corn fields below the hills completed the perfect atmosphere for recreation. What also amused me was the hanging bridge which in fact, it was my first time to see one. I almost shout for joy and amazement.
Right after we reached the barangay, we immediately conducted the FTS (Final Testing and Sealing). As I was about to inform the NSC (National Support Center) that the FTS had just began, I was surprised that there was no signal. Ha! This is what the coordinator told me before. But God is good for we have successfully conducted the FTS.
The Election Day came in. I woke up at around 5:00 a.m. I immediately proceeded to the church where signal was good as what the folks told me. I sent a text message to NSC for my attendance.
It was early 7:00 a.m when we have opened the voting process. I felt a bit of pressure for I’ll be holding a great obligation that day. Like any other PCOS Technicians, I’ll be part of the future of Filipino citizens for the next four to six years or so. But because of the trainings and reviews I had, I was confident that my tasks will be carried out.
The crowd of voters began to increase. I was wrong with my initial thought that their population was not that massive. I just noticed that most of them belong to the ethnic group like the Ifugaos, Igorots and the like.
As the election continued, I observed various emotions in the face of every voter. Contentment. Confusion. Disappointment. There were those who almost jump for joy when the PCOS machine accepted their ballots. There were also those who were afraid to approach the machine thinking that it would swallow them. There were those who tend to be disappointed when the machine rejected their ballots because of miscarriage. However, I noticed one similar thing from them. Happiness. Happiness not only because they already exercise their suffrage but also because of this new technological advancement; that even though they were from a remote place, they still embrace and accept what the world has to offer and that was what I appreciated on them.
It was 7:00 p.m when we closed the election. We have done it earlier if the COMELEC did not request for a time extension. At around 5:00 p.m, no more voters came but we preferred to comply with the instructions from the COMELEC.
As we were closing, I felt so relieved. It was indeed a tiring day for all of us, from me as a PCOS Technician to the BEI’s, watchers, voters and the like. It was even more relieving when we completely transmitted the election result to the Municipal Board of Canvassers, Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas and Central Server.
As soon as the transmission and the other report generation processes were done, we right away packed the machine and the other components. I was very happy at that moment for our job well done. It may be a tiring day but it turned out to be rewarding. We decided that we will be reporting at the municipal office right after packing and sealing the peripherals.
It was already past midnight when we finally approached the municipal office. It was then when I met the other PCOS Technicians and the different election workers and volunteers like the BEI’s, PCOS Supervisors, the PPCRV, the MBOC and the like and even the candidates who at the very moment were rejoicing for their victory while the others were dismayed. There were those who were annoyed because of the crowd of people along the corridors. There were those who were trying to keep their eyes widely open even they were so sleepy. There were also those who were yawning from time to time. I also heard some people who were sharing their experiences regarding the automated elections.
Indeed, May 10, 2010 was a day to remember. It was a day for every Filipino who at this time can see and feel the changes that the jam-packed- of- platforms- and- full- of- flowery- promises candidates have visualized. I hope that these candidates will still smile back at you when you have come across their way. I pray that the victors will be able to prove themselves worthy for the post. Just like how splendid and fertile the land of San Benigno is, I hope that our leaders today can make a way of creating a wider and greener pasture.
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This I dedicate to all my fellow PCOS Technicians during the 2010 Automated National and Local Elections, including the PCOS Supervisors and other ‘whoevers’ who have contributed in the success of this historical event.
Emcee's Mindset 