BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday welcomed the announcement of an additional P1,000 across-the-board election honoraria for teachers and poll workers, on top of the previously approved P2,000 increase in their compensation for serving in the May 2025 national and local elections.

Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the increase was in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure fair compensation for election frontliners.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his gratitude for the additional compensation, noting its significance to thousands of public school teachers and staff who served long hours to safeguard the country’s electoral process.

“We thank President Marcos and DBM Secretary Pangandaman for their swift action to recognize the dedication of our teachers who served as poll workers. Every hour they spent at the precincts, many working past midnight, is a testament to their public service,” said Secretary Angara.

“More than a financial relief, this additional allowance is a symbolic of the country’s respect for teachers as guardians of democracy,” he added.

The DBM approved the release of P758.459 million to cover the P1,000 additional allowance for poll workers. This is on top of the P2,000 increase under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) estimates that around 758,549 poll workers — the majority of whom are public school teachers — served during the May 2025 polls. COMELEC said that the full election compensation, including the newly approved increases, will be received by workers within 10 days after election day.

Secretary Angara also highlighted that the preparations of the teachers and personnel contributed to the record-breaking voter turnout in this year’s elections.

“With an 81.65 percent voter turnout, the highest in COMELEC history, we know our teachers and staff played a vital role in ensuring the credibility, order, and success of the polls,” he said.

*All Photos from DepEd