Clarification on Teachers’ 30-Day Uninterrupted Vacation

Date Published: April 15, 2025
Category: Education, DepEd Updates, Teachers’ Welfare
Tags: DepEd Order No. 009 s. 2025, Teachers' Vacation, School Calendar 2024-2025, Vacation Guidelines, DepEd Philippines


In response to various interpretations of DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2025 and its amendment to DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2024—which focuses on the Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities for the School Year 2024-2025—the Department of Education (DepEd) released clarificatory guidelines on April 14, 2025. These aim to ensure consistency in the implementation of the 30-day uninterrupted vacation period for teachers.

Clarification on Teachers’ 30-Day Uninterrupted Vacation

Here’s everything you need to know:


📌 Key Clarifications on the 30-Day Uninterrupted Vacation for Teachers

a. Teachers May Choose Their Vacation Schedule

Teachers are allowed to select their vacation period between April 16 to June 1, 2025, either continuously or in a staggered manner. This flexibility ensures that teachers can rest or attend to personal matters according to their needs.

Note: Even if the vacation is staggered, weekends and holidays are still counted within the 30-day vacation period.


b. School Heads Cannot Override Vacation Choices

DepEd emphasized that under no circumstances shall school heads assign or dictate a teacher’s vacation schedule. Teachers have the right to select their vacation period as long as it follows the given guidelines.

Additionally, school heads are required to document and maintain official records of each teacher’s declared vacation dates for transparency and reference.


c. No Mandatory Participation in School Activities During Vacation

Teachers must not be compelled to participate in any school-related activities, such as training or seminars, during their 30-day vacation. Participation is strictly voluntary.

Moreover, it is the responsibility of school heads to ensure that any scheduled school-related activities do not interfere with the declared vacation period of teachers.


d. What Happens if No Vacation Letter is Submitted?

Teachers who do not submit a letter of intent for uninterrupted vacation will be assumed to follow the default school calendar and summer activity schedule. However, this does not prevent them from enjoying the 30-day vacation from April 16 to June 1, 2025.


e. Services Before School Opening (June 2–16, 2025)

In preparation for the school year, teachers may be requested to render services during the last two weeks of the vacation. Such services are eligible for vacation service credits (VSC) in accordance with existing policies.


f. TICs and School Heads' Leave Credit Policy

Teachers designated as Teacher-in-Charge (TIC) or school heads are excluded from the vacation and sick leave credit policy. This is aligned with Item No. 31 of DO 9, s. 2024, as amended.


g. Vacation Credits for Eligible Activities

Teachers who participate in activities covered by DO 13, s. 2024 during the 60-day summer break shall be granted Vacation Service Credits (VSC) equivalent to the actual days they rendered service.


✅ Why These Guidelines Matter

These clarifications strengthen the rights of teachers to a fair and uninterrupted rest period, promoting their well-being and work-life balance. By clearly delineating vacation periods, non-compulsory activity participation, and documentation requirements, DepEd ensures smoother implementation across schools nationwide.


📣 Final Thoughts

DepEd’s move to issue these clarificatory guidelines is a crucial step in upholding teachers' welfare while maintaining a smooth transition between school years. School administrators and teachers alike are encouraged to comply and coordinate effectively to ensure a stress-free summer break and a productive school opening for SY 2025–2026.


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Click here to read DepEd Memo DM-OSEC-OUHROD-OPS-2025-0001


Sources:
DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2025 | Clarificatory Guidelines dated April 14, 2025

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