Teachers need to pass DOST exam

CEBU CITY — Teachers assigned in the upcoming midterm elections must first pass a certification exam administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) said they require the certification to ensure teachers can properly operate vote-counting machines.

Comelec-7 Director Francisco Pobe said the commission is implementing stricter standards to uphold electoral integrity, hence the need for everyone handling the machines to be fully trained in both theory and practice.

The certification program, which began in February, will continue until April. Teachers who fail to obtain certification will not be allowed to serve.

To prevent disruptions, Comelec-7 has assembled a pool of backup teachers who have undergone the same training and are ready for deployment.

Aside from technical training, election officials have also addressed logistical concerns, prioritizing the safety and well-being of teachers throughout the electoral process.

Those assigned to remote areas will receive security escorts, while the Commission on Higher Education has deployed IT specialists to provide technical support for vote-counting machines on election day.

The Public Attorney's Office will also offer legal assistance to teachers who may face harassment or election-related issues "to make sure our teachers are protected, supported, and fully equipped to perform their duties."

Currently, 50 teachers from Bohol and another 50 from Cebu are undergoing intensive training as part of the commission's preparation for the May elections.

The 2025 Philippine midterm elections, scheduled for May 12, will involve around 68 million voters electing over 18,000 officials, including 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 partylist representatives, and various local government officials.

Meanwhile, Comelec has classified 38 cities and municipalities nationwide as election hotspots under its highest red-level category due to significant peace and order concerns. Another 177 areas have been placed under an orange-level alert, while 188 fall under the yellow category.

However, in Central Visayas, authorities report most areas of the region are not considered election hotspots, indicating a generally stable security situation.

To boost voter participation, particularly among the youth, the Comelec recently held a virtual forum titled "Kilos Kabataan: Makibahagi sa Halalan 2025," precisely to encourage young Filipinos to take an active role in the elections.