THE MINISTRY of Basic, Higher and Technical Education and the Commission on Elections signed a memorandum of agreement that seeks to protect BARMM teachers and personnel during the 2022 elections.

Under the agreement, the MBHTE shall submit a certified list of public school teachers who will render poll duties.

The MOA will give preference to those with permanent appointments and those who have served in previous automated elections pursuant to Section 5 of Comelec Resolution No. 10194.

“I want the best protection for the teachers who will serve as members of the electoral boards, MBHTE supervising officer, and support staff. With this partnership, we will be capacitating them with the right knowledge in order to deter or counter abuses and any form of security threats that may occur before, during, or after the 2022 National and Local Elections,” he added.

“Truly, when two organizations unite together and support each other, better results can be achieved for the betterment of the public,” Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said.

The MBHTE shall bear the cost of capacity training to be conducted by the Comelec. The training covers polling place management and health and safety protocols.

Iqbal said that MBHTE teachers and other personnel “will remain non-partisan.”

“As a government who postulates moral governance in the running of our day-to-day affair, we envision a fair, orderly, and honest election,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Comelec pledged to cover the honoraria and allowances of serving personnel as well as additional benefits.