When local and national elections are completed, teachers, in particular, feel a complex yet powerful combination of relief, contemplation, and silent hope.
A significant weight has been lifted after weeks or months of navigating political commotion within and outside the classroom. No more heated debates among students who bring family politics to class, and no more pressure to be impartial while secretly rooting for leaders who care about education.
For leaders and educators alike, it signals the start of the real job ahead, rather than the end of an election.
Because of their critical role in the political process, teachers in the Philippines are extremely busy during elections.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) selects educators for the Electoral Board. In addition to being instructors, they are temporarily turned into public servants and advocates for democracy, managing crowds, maintaining law and order, and ensuring justice and transparency.
Teachers are the hidden heroes of elections because they reconcile their regular teaching duties with their responsibility to ensure free, fair, and well-run elections. Their dedication and moral character are critical to preserving democracy.
Elections for local and national offices were held on May 12, 2025.
Election day is a mix of obligation, calm resilience, and exhaustion from remaining awake for over 24 hours.
After standing all day, answering countless questions, regulating crowds, handling ballots and vote-counting gadgets, and ensuring that every activity is carried out correctly and without error, we develop a kind of tiredness that seeps into our bones.
It's not just physical tiredness, but also emotional and mental exhaustion. The weight of responsibility, the dread of making mistakes, and the pressure to maintain election integrity can be overwhelming.
Despite the restless fog, there's a faint sense of purpose.
"I did my part, but I'm fatigued; I contributed to the integrity of this election, and I came to protect my country."
Most people are unaware of teachers' sacrifices while still in uniform, sitting on plastic chairs with their eyes barely open, signing paperwork, sealing envelopes, and ensuring that every vote counts.
Teachers are used to bearing the burden of shaping young minds, but on election day, we wear an even bigger load: the trust of a nation.
Every component, from ensuring that every ballot is handled correctly to ensuring that every vote is counted and that every voter is treated fairly, places pressure on us. A blunder could lead to prosecution, grievances, or worse, threats. We are continuously on edge, vigilant, and cautious.
We get mentally and physically exhausted. Long hours, little sleep, uncomfortable circumstances, and the continuing mental pressure of painstakingly following instructions until the final signature.
However, there is a strong sense of pride behind it all.
Take pride in your patriotic service.
Pride in completing a worthy project outside of the classroom.
Take pride in protecting democracy, fairness, and integrity, even at one's own expense.
We understand that the leaders you choose today will significantly impact the lives of the students you teach tomorrow, so protecting the future is just as important as conserving ballots.
It's a quiet display of bravery but also overwhelming- teachers devote a significant amount of time, effort, and passion to every successful election day, with little recognition but unwavering dedication.
When it's finished, there's only one thing to do.
Rest assured that we served honorably.