DepEd gives teachers 30-day break as school year ends

As School Year 2024-2025 ends, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday that teachers will be granted an ”uninterrupted and flexible” vacation for 30 days without having to deal with school-related tasks over the coming weeks.

Based on DepEd's updated guidelines, teachers will be allowed to schedule their 30-day break between April 16 and June 1, 2025, either continuously or on a staggered basis. 

Included in the revised order are teachers from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and those directly involved in teaching Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) classes.

Meanwhile, learners who need to attend mandatory summer programs will have their vacation scheduled outside the May 13 to June 6 period.

SY 2024-2025 was set from July 29, 2024, to April 15, 2025, and the next academic year will begin on June 16, 2025, and end on March 31, 2026.

During their 30-day vacation, teachers will not be obligated to participate in any activities related to the Performance Management Evaluation System (PMES).

They can also complete and submit their electronic Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (eIPCRF) by the end of the first month of the SY 2025-2026.

Teachers who are applying for promotion may also submit the required performance evaluations before the last day of classes.

DepEd also emphasized that while participation in professional development activities or summer training is voluntary, these events will be scheduled outside their vacation period.

Teachers who engage in these activities will also earn vacation service credits in addition to the 30-day limit.

Teachers will also be allowed to visit the school or participate in activities like the May 2025 elections and sports events, during their vacation.

“This break is a well-deserved opportunity for our learners and teachers to relax after a long academic year. I hope they spend this time wisely, unwinding with their families and loved ones, and return to work energized for the new school year,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

School heads, on the other hand, are not included in the vacation benefits as they are responsible for managing the school during the break, according to DepEd.

They are, however, entitled to vacation and sick leave credits during the said period. –NB, GMA Integrated News