MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Monday, May 14, that the cash cards containing the honoraria of teachers who served during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections are now ready for release.

“As of now, everything is accounted for, 100%, and ready to be released,” said DepEd director Joel Eristain in an evening press briefing at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Eristain noted, however, that technical problems had been encountered in the delivery of cash cards in Bukidnon province.

“Bukas po, maaari na pong i-release (Tomorrow, it may be released). Latest will be Thursday,” he added. 

Eristain told Rappler that the teachers are the country’s “heroes” on election day. “We are making sure that they are also taken care of.”

Teachers who are part of the electoral boards manning the polling precincts are entitled to honoraria, which are stored in the cash cards. (READ: Barangay, SK polls 2018: How much will electoral board members get paid?) 

Other qualified professionals may also be appointed to electoral boards, following the passage of a law that made election duties non-compulsory for teachers.

Eristain reminded teachers to double-check the cash cards that they will receive. He said different cash cards will be given to electoral board chairpersons and members.

In case of issues with the cash cards, teachers may call the Comelec hotlines, said Eristain. – Rappler.com