Mandaue teachers gear up for barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan polls

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Schools Division is preparing teachers who may be tapped to serve as election staff in the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In an interview, Dr. Edgar Espina, administrative officer of the DepEd Mandaue City Schools Division, said the division has been coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as preparations for the elections continue.

Espina said more than 1,000 teachers are expected to be needed to serve as election personnel across the city's 27 barangays.

He said the teachers have already signified their willingness to serve in the elections, while schedules for seminars and orientations have also been prepared, subject to the Comelec’s decision on whether the elections will proceed as scheduled.

“DepEd is really prepared with the election. Andam na ta daan sa gipangayo sa Comelec, naghuwat ra pod ta og madayun or dili basta we have to continue our job,” Espina said.

He said the division would continue carrying out its mandate while awaiting further instructions from the Comelec.

Espina said activities for teachers have already been lined up should the BSKE push through this year.

Meanwhile, teachers who have relatives running for barangay positions are required to serve in a different barangay to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Espina said teachers are already trained and informed about the rule and may still participate in the elections as long as they are assigned to a barangay where no relative is running for office.

“Di man ta kapugong, they can still serve pero adto sila sa laing barangay nga wala silay parente nga nidagan,” he said.

Espina said serving as election personnel is voluntary for teachers, but he expects the majority of Mandaue teachers to participate.

The preparations are being undertaken as the November 2026 BSKE remains on the electoral calendar, amid proposals seeking to postpone the polls. — (FREEMAN)