No Contact Policy for Teachers this June
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has announced a “no contact policy” for teachers starting from June to give them a chance to enjoy their vacation without being called or asked to report to school.
This is in accordance with the Department Order (DO) No. 3 series of 2024 issued by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte that sets the end of the School Year (SY) 2023-2024 on May 31, while the start of the SY 2024-2025 is on July 29, and the last school day is on May 15, 2025.
This means that the whole month of June is a real vacation for the teachers. By July, not all teachers will report to school either.
It is understood that DepEd has started the gradual return to the old academic calendar, so it has advanced the end of the current school year.
The department is also looking at bringing back the school opening to June by SY 2026-27 to restore the previous April-May school break.
What is the rationale behind the no contact policy?
According to DepEd, the no contact policy is intended to protect the health and well-being of the teachers. The policy also aims to respect the teachers’ right to rest and recreation, as well as to prevent burnout and stress.
The no contact policy prohibits DepEd officials and personnel from contacting the teachers outside of the school setting, except if they are relatives. This means that the teachers are not obliged to answer phone calls, emails, messages, or social media inquiries from their superiors or colleagues during their vacation period.
The policy also covers the teachers’ use of social media platforms for matters related to school. The teachers are allowed to reach out to their students on social media within the school setting, but they are discouraged from engaging in personal or non-academic conversations with them.
What are the benefits of the no contact policy?
The no contact policy is expected to bring several benefits to the teachers, such as:
- Improved mental and physical health. The teachers can have more time to relax, recharge, and take care of themselves. They can also avoid exposure to the virus and other health risks by staying at home or following health protocols when going out.
- Enhanced personal and professional development. The teachers can use their vacation time to pursue their hobbies, interests, or passions. They can also learn new skills, update their knowledge, or prepare for the next school year.
- Increased motivation and productivity. The teachers can return to work with more enthusiasm, energy, and creativity. They can also perform better and deliver quality education to their students.