Wazzup Pilipinas?!
As the final ballots were cast and the last polling centers closed their doors, a different kind of victory unfolded—one not marked by confetti or cheers, but by the silent resolve of over 660,000 public school teachers and personnel who stood as guardians of democracy. The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a heartfelt salute to these modern-day heroes who braved long hours, frayed nerves, and logistical chaos to ensure a peaceful and orderly 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
From the bustling cities of the National Capital Region to the remote and oft-overlooked corners of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the nation’s educators stepped far beyond the chalkboard, transforming into poll workers, precinct supervisors, troubleshooters, and peacekeepers.
“Salamat po sa lahat ng guro, poll workers, at school staff na tumulong at nagbantay sa halalan. Mula simula hanggang matapos, and’yan kayo—hindi bumitaw,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a stirring tribute.
“Saludo po kami. Dahil sa inyo, naging maayos at safe ang proseso. Kayo ang tunay na ka-team sa Bagong Pilipinas—laging handa, laging para sa bayan.”
The Machinery Behind the Mission
Coordinating such an immense operation was no easy feat. DepEd’s Election Task Force (ETF) command center in Makati City worked tirelessly around the clock from May 11 to 13, serving as a critical hub for real-time updates, emergency response, and inter-agency coordination.
In total, the ETF logged 603 election-related incidents—a daunting number that only hinted at the pressure on the ground. Issues ranged from malfunctioning vote-counting machines (VCMs) and mismatched ballots to long queues caused by errors in voter lists. Most concerns were swiftly resolved by regional and divisional ETF units. A select few were escalated to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for further action.
The bulk of the reports originated from Region IX, BARMM, and NCR, underscoring the geographical diversity—and the systemic challenges—that our educators bravely tackled head-on.
Despite the occasional chaos, DepEd and COMELEC stood united in declaring the 2025 polls largely peaceful, a testament to the professionalism and resilience of those manning the frontlines.
“In line with the assessment of the COMELEC and other agencies, we can say that overall, the elections were conducted smoothly,” said Undersecretary Malcolm Garma, chair of the DepEd ETF.
Beyond the Call of Duty
It’s easy to forget, amid the haze of election headlines, that many of these teacher-volunteers returned home not just physically exhausted, but emotionally drained. Some endured sleepless nights, skipped meals, and faced hostile voters or technical failures with unwavering poise. They did all this not for recognition, but out of a deep, unshakeable sense of duty.
“These are not just public servants,” Secretary Angara emphasized. “They are frontliners of democracy.”
And he is right.
For far too long, the role of teachers in elections has been overlooked—treated as a mere procedural necessity. But the truth is more profound: without them, the gears of our democratic machinery would grind to a halt.
A Call for Continued Support
As the dust settles on the 2025 polls, DepEd reaffirmed its pledge to stand by its personnel—not just during elections, but throughout their public service journey. This includes advocating for better protection, higher compensation, and comprehensive welfare measures, especially for teachers who risk their well-being to safeguard the electoral process.
Their bravery, composure, and patriotism deserve more than a momentary acknowledgment. They deserve lasting institutional support and a nation’s enduring gratitude.
The Unseen Victors
In every corner of the Philippines, where ballot boxes were opened and the voice of the people echoed loud and clear, there stood a teacher—vigilant, patient, and resolute. While candidates celebrate their wins and voters return to their daily routines, these educators quietly resume their own mission: nurturing minds, shaping futures, and defending democracy—one lesson, one election at a time.
To the unsung heroes of the 2025 elections, the Wazzup Pilipinas team echoes the nation’s heartfelt salute.
You are more than just educators.
You are the lifeblood of a democracy in motion.
You are the hope bearers of a Bagong Pilipinas.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
.jpg)
During my visit to the Drakensberg, I barely had signal but still managed to play https://plinko.co.za on hotel Wi-Fi. I just needed something simple and quick, and this was perfect. Played a few rounds in the evening after hiking all day, and one of the chips landed perfectly in the biggest multiplier. Ended up using those winnings for a nice meal the next day. Definitely keeping this one on my home screen.
ReplyDelete