DepEd Applauds Additional Election Honoraria for Teachers
The Department of Education (DepEd) has warmly welcomed the announcement of a P1,000 across-the-board increase in election honoraria for teachers and poll workers. This additional compensation comes on top of the previously approved P2,000 raise for those who served in the May 2025 national and local elections. The keyphrase “election honoraria increase for teachers” highlights this important development.
On Monday, May 19, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed deep appreciation for the added allowance, underscoring its significance to thousands of public school teachers and staff who devote long hours to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. According to sources familiar with the matter, Angara extended his thanks to President Marcos and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) leadership for their prompt actions recognizing the dedication of teachers acting as poll workers.
“Every hour they spent at the precincts, many working past midnight, is a testament to their public service,” Angara shared. “More than financial relief, this additional allowance is a symbol of the country’s respect for teachers as guardians of democracy.”
Impact of Teachers’ Efforts on Voter Turnout
Angara also noted that the meticulous preparations and commitment of teachers and personnel helped achieve a record-breaking voter turnout this year. Reports indicate that the May 2025 elections saw an 81.65 percent turnout—the highest in history according to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). He emphasized that teachers played a vital role in ensuring the elections were credible, orderly, and successful.
Details on the Additional Compensation
The DBM approved the release of P758.459 million to cover the P1,000 additional allowance for poll workers. This is separate from the P2,000 increase already included in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Sources revealed that around 758,549 poll workers—mostly public school teachers—served in the recent elections.
COMELEC confirmed that full election compensation, including the recent increases, will be distributed within 10 days after election day, ensuring timely payment for the frontline workers.
Secretary Angara’s Message to Voters and Leaders
Earlier, Angara thanked millions of Filipinos who participated in the midterm elections and urged everyone to channel that same civic enthusiasm into advancing the nation’s education system. “We are grateful to every Filipino who exercised their right to vote,” he said. “Democracy is our people staying engaged, especially in causes that shape the future, like education.”
Citing data from COMELEC and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Angara highlighted that about 80 percent of the country’s 68 million registered voters took part in the elections, demonstrating strong public commitment to democratic governance.
Echoing President Marcos’s post-election remarks, he described the peaceful and orderly elections as a “renewal of our democracy” and a call to tackle urgent national issues. “As President Marcos said, our democracy has renewed itself. Now, we must channel that same commitment to the long-term work ahead, ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality learning aligned with our Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Angara added.
Call to Action: Championing Education
Angara encouraged all Filipinos to become active champions of education. “The midterm elections may be over, but the real work of nation-building continues,” he stated. “We encourage everyone to be education champions.”
He stressed that education should be a top priority for the newly elected officials. “We now have new senators, governors, mayors—some seasoned, some young and hungry, all stepping into the ring of public service. They come bearing the hopes of our people. But hope alone is not enough,” Angara warned.
He also pointed out the importance of data-driven leadership. “As new mandates begin, may we ensure that the data we provide guides them. For the hands of newly elected leaders, every percentage point becomes a budget line, a classroom, a reading corner, a chance at a better life.”
Honoring the Dedication of Poll Workers
Finally, Angara commended over 600,000 teachers and DepEd personnel who served as poll workers, playing a crucial role in the smooth conduct of elections across schools nationwide. “Our teachers once again proved to be frontliners of democracy,” he said. “Their professionalism, calm under pressure, and deep sense of service are examples we can all learn from.”
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