The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday, April 19, that the policy, requiring all agencies of the government to adhere to 100% onsite workforce in Alert Level 1 areas, is in compliance with the Office of the President Memorandum Circular (MC) No.96.
DepEd added that the issuance is also in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 163-A, titled Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response, that requires government instrumentalities under Alert Level 1 to adhere to the 100% onsite workforce, while off-site work will be subject to relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Office of the President.
It also said that the 100% onsite reporting capacity is required for all DepEd offices which is based on the DepEd Memorandum No. 029, series of 2022 or the Work Arrangements in the Department of Education during the Imposition of Alert Level 1 System for COVID-19 Response.
We see the 100% onsite reporting as an opportunity to improve the implementation of our multiple learning delivery modalities, through a more efficient supervision and monitoring of the proper use of learning modules and online platform,
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.
With this, we can facilitate school-level activities such as learning action cells, coaching and mentoring, remedial classes, and parent-teacher conferences,
she added.
Moreover, DepEd said that the policy will cover all teaching and non-teaching personnel, including contracts of service and job orders in all offices, schools, and community learning centers (CLCS), both adopting face to face classes and distance learning modalities.
On the other hand, remote and flexible work arrangements may be adopted, in accordance with the CSC MC No. 18, s. 2020 and DepEd Order No. 11, s. 2020, depending on the prevailing COVID-19 alert level in the locality where the offices, schools, and community learning centers are located.
DepEd further ordered that head of offices and schools must ensure the provision of necessary support and resources, including internet connectivity, to all personnel reporting onsite to avoid delay and disruption in delivering basic education services and ensure compliance with minimum health and safety protocols.
Meanwhile, personnel infected or identified as close contacts of a probable and confirmed case of COVID-19 are not required to report to work and may avail of the excused absence or adopt a Work-From-Home (WFH) arrangement.
As our personnel go back to our schools and offices, we want to ensure their health and safety. We enjoin field officials to provide the necessary support they need for the success of our learning delivery to our children,
Briones said.
DepEd defends mandatory onsite work policy, ensures safety, welfare of personnel
Reviewed by Issues PH
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April 20, 2022
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Reviewed by Issues PH
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April 20, 2022
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