Balanga City, Bataan — The Department of Education has launched an Election Task Force in Central Luzon to support public school teachers and personnel as they take on poll-related duties during the 12 May elections, a regional official said Thursday.

According to DepEd Nueva Ecija Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Danilo Jacoba, the ETF will be on standby throughout the election period to address teachers’ concerns and provide necessary assistance.

He added that, “The ETF is tasked to organize and activate the division-level task forces, mobilize teachers and staff, conduct training and orientation, and monitor precinct readiness.”

Jacoba also said that the ETF is responsible for reporting updates on the conditions of teachers, as well as any issues or incidents in polling precincts before, during, and after the elections.

Legal assistance will also be available for teachers and DepEd personnel, in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), law enforcement agencies, and other relevant institutions.

Jacoba further noted that benefits such as leave credits for teachers serving as members of the Electoral Boards will be provided promptly.

“In the past, leave credits were often delayed, even when the elections had long been concluded. But now, under the leadership of our Regional Director and the DepEd Secretary, we act swiftly to ensure that teachers receive what is rightfully theirs without delay,” he said.

The department also assured that preparations across the region are in full swing. Public School District Supervisors have been preparing for over a month to ensure that schools and classrooms designated as polling precincts are clean, orderly, and voter-friendly.

“Our schools are ready to accommodate voters. We’ve made sure that classrooms selected for polling have proper ventilation and provide a conducive environment for voters,” Jacoba said.

Teachers who will serve during election day have undergone a series of trainings facilitated by Comelec.

These sessions aim to equip them with knowledge on election procedures and voter interaction.

“We even train our teachers on how to approach voters professionally and kindly, regardless of any heightened emotions that may arise. Our teachers are ready to perform their duties with patience and a smile,” Jacoba emphasized.

With the formation of the ETF and the early preparations by DepEd, the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold a smooth, orderly, and fair electoral process.

As frontliners in the democratic exercise, public school teachers continue to play a vital role not only in education but also in safeguarding the integrity of elections.

DepEd encourages the public to support and respect the efforts of teachers and personnel who will be serving during the elections, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice in the service of the nation.