Party-list lauds DepEd for pro-teacher initiatives as polls near

(MANILA BULLETIN)

Trabaho Party-list has hailed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) recent initiatives to look after the welfare of public school teachers who will serve as poll workers in the upcoming May 12 mid-term polls

DepEd, in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the rights and welfare of teachers during the electoral process.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara says teachers are “holding up the pillars of democracy”, and thus deserve comprehensive support, including real-time monitoring, legal and medical assistance, and clear guidelines to maintain political neutrality.

Trabaho Party-list spokesperson, lawyer Mitchell-David Espiritu lauded these measures, as he highlighted the party’s longstanding advocacy for improved compensation and working conditions for educators.

“Our educators are essential in shaping the future of our nation. Ensuring their well-being, especially during critical democratic processes like elections, is paramount,” Espiritu stated.

He noted that the party supports the directive to increase the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for an estimated 1,011,800 DepEd personnel from the current ₱18,000 to ₱20,000, as ordered by President Marcos.

Comelec also announced enhancements to the benefits for teachers serving as electoral board members.

These include increased honoraria: Chairpersons will receive ₱12,000; poll clerks ₱11,000; third members ₱10,000; and support staff ₱8,000—reflecting a ₱2,000 increase across all positions compared to the 2022 elections.

Additionally, service credits for teachers will be doubled from five to 10 days as a way to acknowledging their extended working hours and added responsibilities.

The spokesperson emphasized that these developments align with Trabaho Party-list’s mission to uplift the Filipino workforce.