After sacrificing their time and energy during #Eleksyon2025, thousands of poll workers in Region 1 are now set to receive their honorarium—some even earlier than expected.

According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), more than 16,000 teachers served as members of the Electoral Board in the recent elections, along with DESOs and support staff.

COMELEC has already completed the payroll, and the honorarium distribution has begun in some areas. In fact, some towns even released half of the amount to workers before election day.

“Lahat ng poll workers dapat mabayaran na lahat, in fact gusto ko sabihin na may mga lugar tayo sa Region 1 na pagkakuha ng gamit o right after na maibalik ang mga gamit ay naibigay na ang kanilang honorarium,” Atty. Reddy Balarbar, Acting Regional Election Director, said.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, the distribution may begin Friday, May 16.

Dr. Liza Lojo, DESO at Mangaldan Central School, said the funds will be a big help for teachers.

“Tentative sa Friday ang release, malaking bagay sa amin kasi may magagamit kami na pera,” she said.

In Dagupan City, teacher Lavenia Torio, who served as the third member of the Electoral Board, is excited to receive her payment. She plans to use it to pay for her graduate studies.

“Fulfilling, ‘yung sacrifice is, naroon ‘yung pagod at hirap pero nakaka-fulfill ‘yung pagod na ‘yun,” she said.

The following are the honorariums this 2025, according to COMELEC:

• Chairperson – P12,000
• Poll Clerk, 3rd Member, DESO – P11,000
• Technician – P9,000
• Support Staff – P8,000

A 15 percent tax will still be deducted from these amounts.

COMELEC reminded election officers that all honorariums must be released within 15 days after election day.