THE Department of Education reinforces its commitment to protect, train, and empower the thousands of teachers and education personnel who will serve as frontliners in the May 12 midterm elections.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored DepEd’s role in ensuring a safe, transparent, and peaceful electoral process during a recent multi-agency memorandum of agreement signing with the Commission on Election, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other institutional partners.

“Our teachers are holding up the pillars of democracy. In return, we are making sure their service is met with gratitude, preparation, and protection,” Angara said.

The MOA includes key provisions for legal and medical assistance for teachers and personnel deputized for election service, as well as enhanced coordination among agencies to safeguard their welfare.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) also pledges to provide legal assistance to teachers who may face complaints for serving in the 2025 elections.

To strengthen institutional readiness, the DepEd Election Task Force (ETF) will be mobilized nationwide. This structure, spanning the Central, Regional, and Schools Division Offices, will provide real-time monitoring, assistance, and incident response.

The DepEd Election Command Center will be fully operational from May 11 to 13, with its headquarters in Makati City ensuring real-time monitoring and coordination across all DepEd offices nationwide.

Each ETF Operations Center will coordinate closely with COMELEC, the Public Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement bodies to safeguard the rights and welfare of DepEd personnel deputized for election service.

Meanwhile, ETF members will be entitled to honoraria, overtime pay, or compensatory time off (CTO), depending on their employment status and subject to government rules. Clear guidelines have also been issued to maintain political neutrality, with strict prohibitions against electioneering and partisan activity.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Arlene Rivera