Guardians of Democracy: Angara Applauds PBBM, DBM for Boosting Teachers’ Election Honoraria

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an inspiring affirmation of the nation’s gratitude to its silent heroes, Education Secretary Sonny Angara extended his heartfelt thanks to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for granting an additional ₱1,000 across-the-board election honoraria to teachers and other poll workers. This latest gesture serves as both financial relief and a symbolic recognition of the immense role educators play in preserving the integrity of Philippine democracy.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has greenlit the release of ₱758.459 million, ensuring that over 758,000 poll workers, predominantly public school teachers, will receive the added compensation on top of the previously approved ₱2,000 increase under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has assured that full election compensation, inclusive of these increases, will be disbursed within ten days after election day.

A Nation’s Salute to Its Educators

“Every hour they spent at the precincts, many working past midnight, is a testament to their public service,” Secretary Angara declared, his voice echoing the sentiments of countless Filipinos who witnessed their teachers—often unassuming and overburdened—transform into frontline defenders of electoral integrity.

He emphasized that the honoraria boost is “more than a financial relief… it is symbolic of the country’s respect for teachers as guardians of democracy.”

Indeed, election day for these educators isn’t confined to casting votes. From dawn till deep into the night, they oversee the polls, calm agitated voters, ensure the accuracy of vote counts, and remain vigilant against fraud and technical issues. Often, they sacrifice their weekends, holidays, and rest days to prepare for and conduct elections with utmost impartiality and precision.

Record-Breaking Turnout: A Testament to Teacher Leadership

This year's elections shattered expectations, registering an 81.65 percent voter turnout — the highest in COMELEC history. Secretary Angara did not hesitate to credit this remarkable civic engagement to the dedication of teachers and DepEd personnel who worked tirelessly to prepare for the elections, train for emergencies, and manage voters with compassion and efficiency.

“We know our teachers and staff played a vital role in ensuring the credibility, order, and success of the polls,” Angara affirmed. “Their commitment empowered more Filipinos to believe in the process and cast their votes.”

Presidential Directive: A Step Towards Justice

Secretary Pangandaman confirmed that the additional ₱1,000 was a result of a directive from President Marcos, underscoring his administration’s commitment to fair and just compensation for the unsung election frontliners. It reflects a broader agenda to honor the hard work of educators who continuously go above and beyond their roles, not only within the classroom but in every facet of public service.

For decades, election-related duties have weighed heavily on teachers, often with minimal recognition and modest remuneration. This long-overdue adjustment, while still modest in the eyes of many, sets a precedent for future administrations to prioritize the welfare of these vital workers.

A Call for Sustained Support

While the honoraria increase has been widely welcomed, educators’ groups and civic organizations continue to call for institutional reforms — including hazard pay, increased legal protection, and health insurance coverage — recognizing that election duty is not without risks. Harassment, fatigue, and even threats of violence are part of the burden they carry quietly, year after year.

Nonetheless, the latest development marks a hopeful shift toward a more appreciative and equitable treatment of teachers in the electoral process.

Final Word: A Democracy Built on Dedication

In every school that turned into a polling station, behind every ballot counted, and in every long queue that moved with order and trust — there stood a teacher, steadfast and principled. This ₱1,000 may seem like a small token, but for many educators, it speaks volumes.

It is a nation’s way of saying: Thank you for holding the line.

Thank you for believing in democracy even when it is hard.

Thank you for being more than just teachers — but defenders of the people’s voice.

As the dust settles from the historic May 2025 elections, one thing is clear:

The soul of our democracy beats strong, because the hands that cradle it belong to our teachers.

By Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas – Your Voice, Your Story, Your Philippines

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.