Serving locally: Philippines.

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Serving locally: Philippines

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally

Local services depend on residents who give some of their time, from one day at an election to a seat on an advisory board. This sheet helps you find a role that fits.

Ways to serve

Advisory boards and commissions on subjects such as parks, libraries or accessibility.
Election work, run by the official election office.
School governing boards, community councils and volunteer roles with public services.

Ask before you apply

Who is eligible, and are there background checks?
How much time does it take, and what training is provided?
Is it paid, or are expenses covered?
Are there rules about political activity?

Where to look

Your local government’s website, under boards, committees or vacancies.
Your official election office for election work.
The official sources on the back of this sheet.

Stay impartial

Election workers serve every voter equally.
Questions about voting go to your official election office.

In the Philippines

Electoral boards. Under the Election Service Reform Act, the electoral boards set up by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) have a chairperson and two members, all public school teachers who are willing and available. Election service is not compulsory for public school teachers.
Who else can serve. If there are not enough teachers, COMELEC may appoint, in order: private school teachers, national government employees, members of COMELEC-accredited citizen arms and civil society groups, and then any registered voter of the city or municipality of known integrity and competence who is not connected with any candidate or political party.
Pay and protection. People rendering election service are entitled to honoraria and a travel allowance, which must be paid within 15 days of the election. The law also provides death and medical assistance for election-related risks, and legal assistance.
Volunteering. The Volunteer Act of 2007 makes the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) responsible for the national volunteer service program. It also says national government agencies and local government units shall set up volunteer programs in their offices.

Official places to check:

Supreme Court of the Philippines (E-Library): elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/66769
Supreme Court of the Philippines (E-Library): elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/7802

More free official help in the Philippines: moraph.org/commons/help/civic-engagement/ph

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 20 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally