More than 8,600 members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) will oversee over 2,800 clustered precincts for the 2025 midterm elections in Pangasinan, according to Provincial Election Supervisor, Atty. Ericson Oganiza.
“Meron din tayong technical support staff. Mag-a-address sa machine, depende sa voting center,” Oganiza shared.
The BEIs are set to undergo a series of training sessions in March, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage the voting process for the province’s over 2.1 million registered voters.
One of them is teacher Lizalyn Nabor, a Grade 1 educator at West Central Elementary School in Pangasinan, is preparing not only for her daily classroom responsibilities but also for her role as member of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) in the 2025 midterm elections.
“Dahil nga government employee ka, kailangan mong suklian din kung ano ang hinihingi ng gobyerno,” Nabor said.
Nabor has served as a BEI member three times. At 41, she describes the task as challenging but necessary.
“Mahirap talaga sa mahirap kasi nasasakripisyo ‘yung pagkain mo. Gigising ka ng maaga, maagang-maaga,” she added.
Despite the sacrifices, Nabor remains committed.
“Unang-una, mindset talaga. ‘Yun ang kailangan. Physical aspect. Tapos ‘yung binibigay po na mga trainings,” she said.
The BEI plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and smooth conduct of elections.
Each BEI are often composed of public school teachers designated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
A chairperson leads the board, supported by a poll clerk and a third member.
These individuals are appointed based on their competence, impartiality, and ability to handle the responsibilities associated with electoral duties.
Their key functions include:
- Overseeing the voting processes
- Administer election day procedures; and,
- Securing and transmitting election results.
The BEI is established under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881) and further strengthened by provisions in the Automated Election System Law (Republic Act No. 9369).
The COMELEC is responsible for selecting and training BEI members.