DepEd: Teachers still ‘required to report for work’ during Christmas break

In this file photo taken in October, kindergarten teacher, Mary Grace Buriel receives flowers from the pupils during the celebration of Teachers Day at Commonwealth Elementary School, Quezon City. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (Deped) on Saturday clarified its amended Christmas break for teachers, saying they may be required to report for work from Dec. 16 to 22.

“Teachers may still be required to report and render services from December 16 to 22 in the exigency of public service,” the Department said in a statement.

This was after Deped issued a memorandum–Deped Order No. 49, series of 2018–or “Amendments to DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2018” stating that teachers in elementary and secondary public schools nationwide may begin their Christmas vacation on Dec. 16.

READ: DepEd sets longer Christmas break from Dec. 15 to Jan. 2

However, the DepEd reiterated its Order No. 53, s. 2003, which was given to teachers required to report for work.

According to DepEd, exigency of public service means a “situation where service is urgently needed and any delay in its execution will adversely affect the outcome of service to clients.”

The DepEd said the attendance of public school teachers during Christmas break must follow these conditions:

1)    A letter-request is submitted by the school head to his/her respective school division office (SDO);

2)    Sufficient justification is provided to establish that exigency of public service exists; and

3)    The request is duly approved by the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS).

In a DepEd Order No. 25 s. 2018, private schools have the discretion to develop their own school calendar but they must follow the minimum number of class days and the provisions of Republic Act No. 7797. /jpv