DepEd-5 preps teachers, classrooms for May 2025 polls

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Education in Bicol (DepEd-5) had started preparing classrooms and training teachers for the national and local elections on May 12.

In an interview on Monday, DepEd-5 Director Gilbert Sadsad estimated that around 30,000 teachers will serve as board of election inspectors.

"The 30,000 figure is not final yet since we still have to conduct eliminations related to candidate qualifications, health issues or whether individuals are capable of operating the machines. We are still preparing and have two to three months left before the elections," Sadsad said.

Classes will end on April 15 and teachers will have a break from regular workloads, except for a few who will attend training sessions, he said.

He said DepEd Bicol is already addressing issues with classrooms, particularly in Catanduanes and parts of Camarines Sur, which were affected by previous typhoons.

Sadsad also stressed the importance of elections in schools as they help students get familiar with the election process which could help them once they reach the voting age.

"The integration is where class officers are elected. It teaches students how elections are conducted, the reasons behind elections and the voting process. It's essential for children to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens," he said.

Police preparation

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) reported the arrest of 15 individuals for violating the gun ban from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said Albay had the highest number of arrests with six, followed by Masbate with three, and Sorsogon and Camarines Norte with two each. Camarines Sur and Naga City had one arrest each.

In line with the gun ban, authorities confiscated 16 assorted firearms and 131 rounds of ammunition from individuals found violating the Commission on Elections directive.

PRO-5 has been encouraging gun owners with expired licenses to voluntarily surrender their firearms or deposit them for safekeeping.

As a result, 68 firearms were voluntarily surrendered, while 206 were deposited for safekeeping with authorities.

Dizon said they conducted 6,384 checkpoints across strategic locations in the region to deter unauthorized firearm possession and other election-related offenses.

"PRO-5 is committed to upholding law and order during the election period. The regional police force continues to intensify operations and strengthen coordination with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders," he said. (With reports from Kryselle Perez and Princess Lorraine Atule, OJTs/PNA)