AIMS OF THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATION

The aim of education in the Philippines focuses on functional literacy, The country also aims to
strengthen manpower for national development.

CHED OBJECTIVES
VISION
Philippine higher education system that is equitable and producing locally responsive,
innovative, and globally competitive graduates and lifelong learners.
MISSION
To promote equitable access and ensure quality and relevance of higher education institutions
and their programs.
MANDATE
Given the national government's commitment to transformational leadership that puts education
as the central strategy for investing in the Filipino people, reducing poverty, and building
national competitiveness and pursuant to Republic Act 7722, CHED shall:
A. Promote relevant and quality higher education (i.e. higher education institutions and programs
are at par with international standards and graduates and professionals are highly competent and
recognized in the international arena);
B. Ensure that quality higher education is accessible to all who seek it particularly those who
may not be able to afford it:
C. Guarantee and protect academic freedom for continuing intellectual growth, advancement of
learning and research, development of responsible and effective leadership, education of high
level professionals, and enrichment of historical and cultural heritages; and
D. Commit to moral ascendancy that eradicates corrupt practices, institutionalizes transparency
and accountability and encourages participatory governance in the Commission and the sub-
sector.
 PHILOSOPHY, MISSION, VISION OF TEACHER

PHILOSOPHY
Every student has the potential to learn and succeed when provided with the right guidance,
encouragement, and opportunities. My role is to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and
nurture a love for lifelong learning. Education should be inclusive, student-centered, and
adaptable to meet the diverse needs of learners.
MISSION
1. Create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and
supported.
2. Foster respect, responsibility, and integrity in my students to prepare them for global
citizenship.
3. Encourage collaboration and creativity to help students develop problem-solving skills.
4. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by celebrating different cultures and perspectives.
5. Build strong relationships with students, fostering trust and mutual respect in the classroom.
Vision
Inspire and shape future generations by fostering a culture of continuous learning, ethical values,
and intellectual curiosity. Strive to be a transformative educator who equips students with the
knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of the world.
 MISSION, VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF SCC

MISSION
SCC-CI, following the ideals of St. Cecilia, commits itself to:
1. Cultivate and inculcate Christian values to its pupils/students to become men and women of
faith and integrity;
2. Provide the students with knowledge and skills in academics, technology and arts through the
use of modern teaching methods and techniques;
3. Foster and development of love for country and service to fellowmen;
4. Upgrade the teachers' skills and competencies in classroom instruction and management
through Faculty Development Program;
5. Develop the critical thinking skills of students;
6. Provide opportunities to students to discover and develop their innate talents and skills;
7. Inculcate in the students the love, care and preservation of Mother Nature.

VISION
SCC-CI is a non-stock, non-profit educational institution that envisions to be a Center of
Excellence in Academics, Technology, and the Arts. It aspires to produce professionals, and leaders
who are globally competitive, imbued with Christian values, integrity, patriotism and stewardship
through quality human education.

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS
St. Cecilia's College Cebu, Inc. professes to: Provide the college students with knowledge, skills
and competencies in academics, technology and the arts, thus making them globally competent
and responsive to the needs of the changing society. Cultivate and strengthen the Cecilian Core
Values of Christ-centeredness, Excellence, Commitment. Integrity, and Love for country,
Innovativeness, Arts lover, and Nurturing. Take an active part in the pursuance of social
responsibility in actualizing the acquired competencies in the academics, technology and the arts
for the development of people's lives.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Teacher Education (BEED & BSED)
Teacher Education principally aims to prepare students to become globally competent,
imbued with sufficient knowledge, values and skills for efficient and effective teaching and
learning. Specifically, Teacher Education Programs produce teachers who: Have the basic and
higher levels of literacy, communication, numeracy, critical thinking, learning skills needed for
higher learning. Have a deep and principled understanding of the learning process and the role of
the teacher in facilitating these processes in their students. Can facilitate learning of diverse types
of learners, in diverse types of learning environments, using a wide range of teaching knowledge
and skills. Can be creative and innovative in thinking of alternative teaching/learning system, take
innovations and evaluate the effectiveness in improving student learning.
 CECILIAN CORE VALUES

CECILIAN CORE VALUES

The students are continuously being led by SCC-CI to become the embodiment of the Cecilian
Core Values. Thus, Cecilians should continue to practice:
CHRIST-CENTEREDNESS
Cecilians put Christ as the center of their thoughts and actions by doing things for the common
good. They have strong. sympathy and empathy towards others.
EXCELLENCE
Cecilians have the strong desire to excel in imparting knowledge and skills with enthusiasm and
goodwill.
COMMITMENT
Cecilians are able to give their best and do what is beyond one's task. They are self-motivated
and determined to develop themselves holistically.
INTEGRITY
Cecilians are honest and transparent in every thought, word and deed.
LOVE FOR COUNTRY
Cecilians prioritize the national interest, show love and respect to the Filipino culture and
tradition, patronize its own products and actively participate in community service.
INNOVATIVENESS
Cecilians are open-minded, effective, functional dynamic and resourceful in creating and
learning new things. They are logical and artistic in expressing themselves through arts bringing
life to a reality.
ARTS LOVER
Cecilians have a heart for arts in creating, building, appreciating and understanding everything
created by God and made by man. They have the capacity to express themselves, and the passion
to capture the interest of individuals through arts.
NURTURANCE
Cecilians show care and concern to God's creation. They hold dearly the knowledge and skills
imparted to them and strive to develop and maintain a peaceful and harmonious relationship in
the community.
 CECILIAN/LASALIAN GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

CHRIST-CENTEREDNESS
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE: • She/he puts God first in everything he/she does.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Praises God before applying a job and in any endeavor.
1.2 Participates in family prayers of religious devotions.
1.3 Takes any action as a form of prayer.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he is prayerful and shows his/her love to his/her fellowmen in all he/she does.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Takes an active role in his/her parish activities.
1.2 Extends help to others regardless of social status.
1.3 Avoids involvement in any kind of immoral activities or in any form of vices such as
drinking alcoholic drinks, taking illegal drugs, watching or reading pornographic material.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
3. She/he lives a righteous life.
STANDARD OF LEARNING:
3.1 Shows respect to all members of the community.
3.2 Respects one's and other's belief.
3.3 Displays honesty at all times i.e. no cheating during examinations.
3.4 Apologizes for hurting others.
3.5 Respects others
3.6 Respects all the things found in school, including school properties/things/assets/building:
like inside the classrooms, in laboratories, in comfort rooms, hallways, ramps, grounds, rock
decks, fire escape, steel doors, tanks and etc.
3.7 Refrain from vandalism/graffiti, dirt branding; like deliberate heel and palm dirt
stamping/branding on walls especially using sole of shoes, wastage and abuse of using school
properties.
3.8 Respects place of worship.
3.9 Exhibits honesty in thoughts, words, and actions.
3.10 Refrain from speaking vulgar and blasphemous language.
3.11 Appreciates the goodness in others most especially the creation of God.
3.12 Acknowledges and shares his/her own giftedness.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
4. She/he puts Christ as the center of his/her life.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
4.1 Actively joins religious activities both in community and in church to divert attention from
sinful acts such as premarital sex, drug addiction, reading and watching obscene materials.
4.2 Participates in the Holy Mass and other religious activities.
4.3 Conducts and attends Family Day activity for parents and students.
4.4 Participates in the Campus Ministry activities such as Bible Study and other religious
activities.
4.5 Participates in the school's and community's service/outreach.
4.6 Brings the spirit of God through service to fellowmen.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
3. She/he has the utmost desire to be the best he/she can be.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
3.1 Continues to aim/enroll in graduate studies.
3.2 Shows interest in gaining more knowledge of his/her given field of work.
3.3 Advocates himself/herself to do more beyond one's expectations.
3.4 Takes an active part in developing one's talents and skills.
3.5 Manifests excellence in academic and non-academic activities.
3.6 Does one's best in giving honor to his/her school.
3.7 Excels in any field of competence; oral or written within and outside of the where he/she is
working.
EXCELLENCE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. She/he is an effective communicator.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Displays the confidence and skills in expressing one's thoughts and ideas.
1.2 Collects, analyzes, organizes information, ideas and conveys them clearly and fluently in
both written and spoken words.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he does his/her best in everything he/she engages in at home, in office, in the community
and in his/her country.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 Submits academic requirements such as assignments, projects based on reliable sources on
time,
2.2 Discusses assigned topics after careful preparation with resourceful material to make an
interesting output.
2.3 Aims for the best grades he/she is capable of after tremendous efforts and perseverance,
2.4 Enhances his/her capabilities by using resources and materials through reading, researching
and involving in self- enhancing activities.
2.5 Makes excellence a way of life by observing punctuality at all times and not on mediocre
performance.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
3. She/he has the utmost desire to be the best he/she can be.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
3.1 Continues to aim/enroll in graduate studies.
3.2 Shows interest in gaining more knowledge of his/her given field of work.
3.3 Advocates himself/herself to do more beyond one's expectations.
3.4 Takes an active part in developing one's talents and skills.
3.5 Manifests excellence in academic and non-academic activities.
3.6 Does one's best in giving honor to his/her school.
3.7 Excels in any field of competence; oral or written within and outside of the where he/she is
working.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
4. She/he is globally competent indifferent areas of concentration.
STANDARDS OF LIVING:
4.1 Attends and applies training/seminars in the academic fields and in the technology industry.
4.2 Becomes solution provider in his/her field.
4.3 Uses expertise in technology to build lives of people, institutions and community.
COMMITMENT GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. She/he develops wholesome attitude towards fulfilling certain task.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Displays love and passion for work.
1.2 Shows interest and eagerness in doing one's work even with difficulties.
1.3 Demonstrates loyalty and dedication to the attainment of the goals and objectives of the
institution.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he ensures tasks are undertaken, and expected results are met regardless of obstacles or
uncertainties along the way.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 A Performs assigned tasks and responsibilities to the best of his/her ability.
2.2 Maximizes available resources to attain quality output.
2.3 Minimizes unnecessary delays or flaws of any kind due to behavioral shortcomings.
2.4 Indulges in every opportunity that will grant self- improvement.
2.5 Applies newly acquired skills into productive use:
2.6 Volunteers in community activities that are meant to contribute to the attainment of their
objectives.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
3. She/he is dedicated to his/her studies and works.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
3.1 Passes projects and assignments on time.
3.2 Spends time for study and work with less supervision.
3.3 Performs given tasks extraordinarily.
3.4 Does the assigned task with confidence.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
4. She/he must maintain loyalty.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
4.1 Diligent in attending his/her duties.
4.2 Submits reports, projects on time at all times.
4.3 Demonstrates the Cecilian values at all times, whenever, wherever he/she may be.
INTEGRITY GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. She/he exemplifies honesty, veracity and uprightness.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING
1.1 Gives true and accurate information on events and on people.
1.2 Displays honest accountability whatever is entrusted to him/her.
1.3 Demonstrates trustworthiness of anything regardless of value.
1.4 Fits in oneself to the norms and mores of society.
1.5 Keeps confidential matters.
1.6 Returns borrowed things.
1.7 Passes school works on time.
1.8 Demonstrates fairness in dealing with others.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he does not compromise truthfulness, over achievement.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 Abhors cheating in any office transaction work for the sake of the success of the system.
2.2 Delivers what he/she promises - "Walks his/her talk"
2.3 Sees the goodness of a person. "If you have nothing good to say then, don't say anything at all".
2.4 Utters words and does actions that build positive reputation (image of an individual).
LOVE FOR COUNTRY
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. She/he shows pride in his/her own culture, tradition, and beliefs.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Speaks the native tongue with pride and dignity.
1.2 Keeps well-informed on national issues and concerns.
1.3 Responds readily to the needs of others/of fellowmen during nation crises.
1.4 Involves in nation building through community immersion,
1.5 Advocates programs and activities that would promote and present Filipino values, history,
culture, and heritage,
1.6 Patronizes Filipino inspired products such as food, wholesome movies, music, fashion and
dances,
1.7 Promotes local tourism.
1.8 Respects civil servants.
1.9 Refrains from seeking and giving influences that would affect injustice, dishonesty, graft and
corruption.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he abides and respects the rules and regulations of the country.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 Respects the Philippine flag and sings the National Anthem with fervour.
2.2 Obeys laws and ordinances at all times.
2.3 Obeys traffic rules and regulations.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES:
3. She/he is nationalistic.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
3.1 Practices ones profession in the service of the Filipino people.
3.2 Utilizes talents and skills for the promotion of the Filipino culture, mores and traditions.
3.3 Brings good name of the Filipino people through the exercise of talents skills and abilities.
INNOVATIVENESS
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. She/he must be flexible, creative, dynamic and resourceful in creating and learning new
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Shows willingness to accept constructive criticism for betterment of one's task and of
oneself.
1.2 Continues discovering the unknown thru research and development.
1.3 Participates in avails of various programs for professional development.
1.4 Joins in organization that would enhance professional development.
1.5 Updates oneself with new trends of technology.
1.6 Utilizes the resources found within the vicinity.
1.7 Makes new things out of indigenous materials.
1.8 Shows patience and perseverance in adapting and learning new things.
1.9 Uses materials wisely.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he endeavor's to venture on new methods rather than settling on doing the traditional
ways.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 Upgrades himself/herself in diversified way.
2.2 Shows flexibility in listening to and accepting of ideas or point of views.
2.3 Utilizes unconventional ways to produce more efficient and effective accomplishments.
ARTS LOVER GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. She/he embraces the creation of God, invention of mankind and the passion to grasp the inner
thoughts towards arts.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Expresses ideas and emotions thru performing arts.
1.2 Builds and creates tremendous desire to design.
1.3 Acknowledges and appreciates the wisdom of creativity.
1.4 Inspires others to become lovers of arts, through their artworks.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. She/he is creative in every aspect.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 Reuses and Recycles old stuffs into new forms.
2.2 Uses creativity in solving problems and in building strong relationship with others.
2.3 Visualizes ideas in an artistic way; drawings, music, poems, literary form of art.
2.4 Participates in activities that promote creative performing arts.
2.5 Acquires the passion in developing one's skill to play musical instruments, portray stage
plays and conduct acting workshops to give service, especially to the youth at risk.
2.6 Makes oneself available to share God-given talents.
NURTURANCE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
1. A responsible steward. She/he cares and protects Mother Nature and all of God's creation.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
1.1 Promotes cleanliness of the environment by segregating and disposing garbage properly.
1.2 Participates in tree planting and in saving other endangered species.
1.3 Abides by the laws that protect endangered species.
1.4 Joins campaigns against cruelty to animals and other living things.
1.5 Refrains from burning waste, rubbers, Styrofoam and other materials that produce
chlorofluorocarbon acid.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
2. A Pro-life individual: She/he shows concern for Mother Nature and all forms of life.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
2.1 Nurtures the physical and spiritual life of people.
2.2 Gives due respect to life by refraining from pre-marital sex.
2.3 Avoids practices that destroy the environment and the lives of people; like illegal logging,
burning plastics, etc.
2.4 Participates actively in the clean and green program of the Government.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE:
3. She/he cares for others the way he/she cares for himself/herself.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING:
3.1 Respects the uniqueness of each one.
3.2 Respects the rights and the properties of others.
3.3 Encourages others to express their own ideas.
3.4 Empowers individuals to make decisions.
3.5 Lives a healthy lifestyle.
3.6 Refrains from influencing and be influenced by others on smoking.
3.7 taking drugs and other acts that would destroy life. 3.7 Establishes and maintains harmonious
relationship with others in the workplace and in the community.
3.8 Practices prudence and tact in relating with others.
3.9 Gives due praises to the efforts and success of others.
 CECILIAN HYMN
Verse 1:
We are a strand
Bind together as one
We strive to be the best that we can be
With Christ the center, we are we
Verse 2:
To love one another as human race
To serve each other as brothers and sisters
To nurture knowledge for ourselves
To sing your song as one
Chorus:
St. Cecilia our school
A source of gentle transformation
St. Cecilia our fortress
Your music makes us one
Verse III:
We stand with pride and dignity
The school with integrity
We raise our banner red and white
The book and cross our might
(Back to Chorus)

Coda:
ALLEVO CECILIA
ALLEVO CECILIA
ALLEVO CECILIA
 CODE OF ETHICS FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS

Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (e), Article 11, of R.A. No. 7836, otherwise known as
the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 and paragraph (a), section 6, P.D. No.
223, as amended, the Board for Professional Teachers hereby adopt the Code of Ethics for
Professional Teachers.
Preamble
Teachers are duly licensed professionals who possesse dignity and reputation with high moral
values as well as technical and professional competence in the practice of their noble profession,
and they strictly adhere to, observe, and practice this set of ethical and moral principles,
standards, and values.
Article I: Scope and Limitations

Section 1. The Philippine Constitution provides that all educational institution shall offer quality
education for all competent teachers. Committed to its full realization, the provision of this
Code shall apply, therefore, to all teachers in schools in the Philippines.
Section 2. This Code covers all public and private school teachers in all educational institutions
at the preschool, primary, elementary, and secondary levels whether academic, vocational,
special, technical, or non-formal. The term “teacher” shall include industrial arts or vocational
teachers and all other persons performing supervisory and /or administrative functions in all
school at the aforesaid levels, whether on full time or part-time basis.

Article II: The Teacher and the State

Section 1. The schools are the nurseries of the future citizens of the state; each teacher is a
trustee of the cultural and educational heritage of the nation and is under obligation to transmit
to learners such heritage as well as to elevate national morality, promote national pride, cultivate
love of country, instil allegiance to the constitution and for all duly constituted authorities, and
promote obedience to the laws of the state.
Section 2. Every teacher or school official shall actively help carry out the declared policies of
the state, and shall take an oath to this effect.
Section 3. In the interest of the State and of the Filipino people as much as of his own, every teacher
shall be physically, mentally and morally fit.
Section 4. Every teacher shall possess and actualize a full commitment and devotion to duty.
Section 5. A teacher shall not engage in the promotion of any political, religious, or other
partisan interest, and shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, require, collect, or receive any
money or service or other valuable material from any person or entity for such purposes.
Section 6. Every teacher shall vote and shall exercise all other constitutional rights and
responsibility.
Section 7. A teacher shall not use his position or official authority or influence to coerce any
other person to follow any political course of action.
Section 8. Every teacher shall enjoy academic freedom and shall have privilege of expounding
the product of his researches and investigations; provided that, if the results are inimical to the
declared policies of the State, they shall be brought to the proper authorities for appropriate
remedial action.
Article III: The Teacher and the Community

Section 1. A teacher is a facilitator of learning and of the development of the youth; he shall,
therefore, render the best service by providing an environment conducive to such learning and
growth.
Section 2. Every teacher shall provide leadership and initiative to actively participate in
community movements for moral, social, educational, economic and civic betterment.
Section 3. Every teacher shall merit reasonable social recognition for which purpose he shall
behave with honour and dignity at all times and refrain from such activities as gambling,
smoking, drunkenness, and other excesses, much less illicit relations.
Section 4. Every teacher shall live for and with the community and shall, therefore, study and
understand local customs and traditions in order to have sympathetic attitude, therefore, refrain
from disparaging the community.
Section 5. Every teacher shall help the school keep the people in the community informed about
the school’s work and accomplishments as well as its needs and problems.
Section 6. Every teacher is intellectual leader in the community, especially in the barangay,
and shall welcome the opportunity to provide such leadership when needed, to extend
counselling services, as appropriate, and to actively be involved in matters affecting the
welfare of the people.
Section 7. Every teacher shall maintain harmonious and pleasant personal and official relations
with other professionals, with government officials, and with the people, individually or
collectively.
Section 8. A teacher possesses freedom to attend church and worships as appropriate, but shall
not use his positions and influence to proselyte others.

Article IV: A Teacher and the Profession

Section 1. Every teacher shall actively insure that teaching is the noblest profession, and shall
manifest genuine enthusiasm and pride in teaching as a noble calling.
Section 2. Every teacher shall uphold the highest possible standards of quality education, shall
make the best preparations for the career of teaching, and shall be at his best at all times and in
the practice of his profession.
Section 3. Every teacher shall participate in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
program of the Professional Regulation Commission, and shall pursue such other studies as will
improve his efficiency, enhance the prestige of the profession, and strengthen his competence,
virtues, and productivity in order to be nationally and internationally competitive.
Section 4. Every teacher shall help, if duly authorized, to seek support from the school, but shall
not make improper misrepresentations through personal advertisements and other questionable
means.
Section 5. Every teacher shall use the teaching profession in a manner that makes it dignified
means for earning a decent living.

Article V: The Teachers and the Profession

Section 1. Teachers shall, at all times, be imbued with the spirit of professional loyalty, mutual
confidence, and faith in one another, self-sacrifice for the common good; and full cooperation
with colleagues. When the best interest of the learners, the school, or the profession is at stake
in any controversy, teachers shall support one another.
Section 2. A teacher is not entitled to claim credit or work not of his own, and shall give due credit
for the work of others which he may use.
Section 3. Before leaving his position, a teacher shall organize for whoever assumes the position
such records and other data as are necessary to carry on the work.
Section 4. A teacher shall hold inviolate all confidential information concerning associates and
the school, and shall not divulge to anyone documents which has not been officially released,
or remove records from files without permission.
Section 5. It shall be the responsibility of every teacher to seek correctives for what may appear
to be an unprofessional and unethical conduct of any associate. However, this may be done only
if there is incontrovertible evidence for such conduct.
Section 6. A teacher may submit to the proper authorities any justifiable criticism against an
associate, preferably in writing, without violating the right of the individual concerned.
Section 7. A teacher may apply for a vacant position for which he is qualified; provided that he
respects the system of selection on the basis of merit and competence; provided, further, that all
qualified candidates are given the opportunity to be considered.

Article VI: The Teacher and Higher Authorities in the Profession

Section 1. Every teacher shall make it his duty to make an honest effort to understand and
support the legitimate policies of the school and the administration regardless of personal
feeling or private opinion and shall faithfully carry them out.

Section 2. A teacher shall not make any false accusations or charges against superiors,
especially under anonymity. However, if there are valid charges, he should present such
under oath to competent authority.

Section 3. A teacher shall transact all official business through channels except when special
conditions warrant a different procedure, such as when special conditions are advocated but are
opposed by immediate superiors, in which case, the teacher shall appeal directly to the
appropriate higher authority.
Section 4. Every teacher, individually or as part of a group, has a right to seek redress against
injustice to the administration and to extent possible, shall raise grievances within acceptable
democratic possesses. In doing so, they shall avoid jeopardizing the interest and the welfare of
learners whose right to learn must be respected.
Section 5. Every teacher has a right to invoke the principle that appointments, promotions, and
transfer of teachers are made only on the basis of merit and needed in the interest of the service.
Section 6. A teacher who accepts a position assumes a contractual obligation to live up to his
contract, assuming full knowledge of employment terms and conditions.
 Article VII: School Officials, Teachers, and Other Personnel
Section 1. All school officials shall at all times show professional courtesy, helpfulness and
sympathy towards teachers and other personnel, such practices being standards of effective
school supervision, dignified administration, responsible leadership and enlightened
directions.
Section 2. School officials, teachers, and other school personnel shall consider it their
cooperative responsibility to formulate policies or introduce important changes in the system at
all levels.
Section 3. School officials shall encourage and attend the professional growth of all teachers
under them such as recommending them for promotion, giving them due recognition for
meritorious performance, and allowing them to participate in conferences in training programs.
Section 4. No school officials shall dismiss or recommend for dismissal a teacher or other
subordinates except for cause.
Section 5. School authorities concern shall ensure that public school teachers are employed in
accordance with pertinent civil service rules, and private school teachers are issued contracts
specifying the terms and conditions of their work; provided that they are given, if qualified,
subsequent permanent tenure, in accordance with existing laws.

Article VIII: The Teachers and Learners

Section 1. A teacher has a right and duty to determine the academic marks and the promotions
of learners in the subject or grades he handles, provided that such determination shall be in
accordance with generally accepted procedures of evaluation and measurement. In case of any
complaint, teachers concerned shall immediately take appropriate actions, observing due
process.
Section 2. A teacher shall recognize that the interest and welfare of learners are of first and
foremost concern, and shall deal justifiably and impartially with each of them.
Section 3. Under no circumstance shall a teacher be prejudiced or discriminate against a learner.
Section 4. A teacher shall not accept favours or gifts from learners, their parents or others in their
behalf in exchange for requested concessions, especially if undeserved.
Section 5. A teacher shall not accept, directly or indirectly, any remuneration from tutorials
other what is authorized for such service.
Section 6. A teacher shall base the evaluation of the learner’s work only in merit and quality of
academic performance.
Section 7. In a situation where mutual attraction and subsequent love develop between teacher
and learner, the teacher shall exercise utmost professional discretion to avoid scandal, gossip
and preferential treatment of the learner.
Section 8. A teacher shall not inflict corporal punishment on offending learners nor make
deductions from their scholastic ratings as a punishment for acts which are clearly not
manifestation of poor scholarship.
Section 9. A teacher shall ensure that conditions contribute to the maximum development of
learners are adequate, and shall extend needed assistance in preventing or solving learner’s
problems and difficulties.

Article IX: The Teachers and Parents

Section 1. Every teacher shall establish and maintain cordial relations with parents, and shall
conduct himself to merit their confidence and respect.
Section 2. Every teacher shall inform parents, through proper authorities, of the progress and
deficiencies of learner under him, exercising utmost candour and tact in pointing out the
learner's deficiencies and in seeking parent’s cooperation for the proper guidance and
improvement of the learners.
Section 3. A teacher shall hear parent’s complaints with sympathy and understanding, and shall
discourage unfair criticism.

Article X: The Teacher and Business

Section 1. A teacher has the right to engage, directly or indirectly, in legitimate income
generation; provided that it does not relate to or adversely affect his work as a teacher.
Section 2. A teacher shall maintain a good reputation with respect to the financial matters such
as in the settlement of his debts and loans in arranging satisfactorily his private financial affairs.
Section 3. No teacher shall act, directly or indirectly, as agent of, or be financially interested in,
any commercial venture which furnish textbooks and other school commodities in the purchase
and disposal of which he can exercise official influence, except only when his assignment is
inherently, related to such purchase and disposal; provided they shall be in accordance with the
existing regulations; provided, further, that members of duly recognized teachers cooperatives
may participate in the distribution and sale of such commodities.

Article XI: The Teacher as a Person

Section 1. A teacher is, above all, a human being endowed with life for which it is the highest
obligation to live with dignity at all times whether in school, in the home, or elsewhere.
Section 2. A teacher shall place premium upon self-discipline as the primary principle of
personal behaviour in all relationships with others and in all situations.
Section 3. A teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality which could serve as a
model worthy of emulation by learners, peers and all others.
Section 4. A teacher shall always recognize the Almighty God as guide of his own destiny and
of the destinies of men and nations.

Article XII: Disciplinary Actions

Section 1. Any violation of any provision of this code shall be sufficient ground for the
imposition against the erring teacher of the disciplinary action consisting of revocation of his
Certification of Registration and License as a Professional Teacher, suspension from the
practice of teaching profession, or reprimand or cancellation of his temporary/special permit
under causes specified in Sec. 23, Article III or R.A. No. 7836, and under Rule 31, Article VIII,
of the Rules and Regulations Implementing R.A. 7836.

Article XIII: Effectivity

Section 1. This Code shall take effect upon approval by the Professional Regulation Commission
and after sixty (60) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of
general circulation, whichever is earlier.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7836
AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE
PRACTICE OF TEACHING IN THE PHILIPPINES AND PRESCRIBING A
LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

ARTICLE I
TITLE
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Teachers
Professionalization Act of 1994."
Sec. 2. Statement of Policy. — The State recognizes the vital role of teachers in
nation-building and development through a responsible and literate citizenry.Towards this
end, the State shall ensure and promote quality education by proper supervision and
regulation of the licensure examination and professionalization of the practice of the
teaching profession.

Sec. 3. Objectives. — This Act has the herein objectives:

(a) The promotion, development and professionalization of teachers and the teaching
profession; and

(b) The supervision and regulation of the licensure examination.

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean:
(a) "Teaching" — refers to the profession concerned primarily with classroom
instruction, at the elementary and secondary levels in accordance with the curriculum
prescribed by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, whether on part-time or
full-time basis in the private or public schools.

(b) "Teachers" — refers to all persons engaged in teaching at the elementary and
secondary levels, whether on full-time or part-time basis, including industrial arts or
vocational teachers and all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative
functions in all schools in the aforesaid levels and qualified to practice teaching under this
Act.

(c) "Board" — refers to the Board for Professional Teachers duly established and
constituted under this Act.

(d) "Commission" — refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.

ARTICLE II
BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS

Sec. 5. Creation and Composition of the Board. — There is hereby created under this
Act a Board for Professional Teachers, hereinafter called the Board, a collegial body under
the general supervision and administrative control of the Professional Regulation
Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, composed of five (5) members
who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from among the recommendees
chosen by the Commission. The recommendees shall be chosen from the list of nominees
selected by the accredited association of teachers, who duly possess all the qualifications
prescribed in Section 8 of this Act.

The chairman and the voice-chairman of the Board shall be appointed from these five (5)
members by the President: Provided, That the members of the first Board appointed under
this Act shall be automatically registered as professional teachers and issued with the
certificate of registration and professional license upon payment of the fees for
examination, registration, and other fees prescribed by the Commission.

Sec. 6. Duties and Function of the Board. — The Board shall have the following duties
and functions:

(a) Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary for carrying out
the provisions of this Act in accordance with the charter of the Professional Regulation
Commission;

(b) Determine and fix the frequency, dates, and places of examination, appoint
supervisors, proctors, and other personnel as needed who shall be entitled to a daily
allowance to be fixed by the Board for every examination day actually attended, use
buildings and facilities of public or private schools for examination purposes;

(c) Issue, suspend, or revoke the certificate of registration for the practice of the
teaching profession;

(d) Prescribe and collect examination and other fees as it may deem proper;

(e) Prescribe and/or adopt a code of ethical and professional standards for the practice
of the teaching profession. Such ethical standards, rules and regulations to take effect sixty
(60) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general
circulation;

(f) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of professional teachers in
the Philippines;

(g) Adopt an official seal of the Board;

(h) Look into the conditions affecting the practice of the teaching profession and
whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement
and maintenance of high professional and ethical standards of the profession;
(i) Ensure that all educational institutions offering elementary and secondary
education comply with the essential requirements for curricula, faculty and facilities for
the elementary and secondary levels;

(j) Investigate such violations of this Act, the rules and the code of ethical and
professional standards for professional teachers as it may come to the knowledge of the
Board, and for this purpose, to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to secure the
appearance of witnesses and the production of documents in connection therewith; and

(k) Discharge such other powers, duties and functions as the Board may deem
necessary for the practice of the teaching profession and the upgrading, enhancement,
development and growth of education in the Philippines.

Sec. 7. Term of Office. — The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of
three (3) years from the date they assume office: Provided, That the first appointees to the
Board under this Act shall hold office according to the following terms: one (1) member
shall serve for one (1) year; one (1) member for two (2) years; the chairman, vice-
chairman, and one (1) member for three (3) years. Vacancies shall be served for the
unexpired term only. No person who has served for two (2) consecutive terms shall be
eligible for reappointment. Appointment to fill an unexpired term shall be considered an
appointment to a complete term.
The chairman or any member shall take his oath of office prior to the performance of his
duties.

Sec. 8. Qualification of Board Members. — Each Board member must at the time
of his appointment:

(a) Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(b) Be at least thirty-five (35) years of age, of proven integrity, and possessed of high
moral values in his personal as well as professional conduct and has not been convicted of
any offense involving moral turpitude;

(c) Be a holder of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education

and preferably a holder of a master's or doctorate degree in education, or their equivalents,
from a university, school, college, academy or institute duly constituted, recognized and/or
accredited by the Philippine government;

(d) Be a professional teacher with a valid certificate of registration and valid

professional license, save those members who shall compose the first Board for
Professional Teachers;

(e) Has been a professional teacher in the active practice of the teaching profession for
at least ten (10) years in the elementary and secondary level; and

(f) Not be an official or member of the faculty of, nor have pecuniary interest in any
university, college, school, or institution conferring a bachelor's degree in education or its
equivalents for at least three (3) years prior to his appointment, and neither connected with
a review center or with any group or association where review classes or lectures in
preparation for the licensure examination are offered or conducted.

Provided, however, That, the membership to the Board shall be evenly distributed to cover
all levels of education, including equitable representation of the different fields of
specialization.

Sec. 9. Compensation of the Board. — The chairman, vice-chairman, and members of

the Board shall receive compensation comparable to the compensation received by existing
regulatory boards under the Professional Regulation Commission, computed on the basis
of the number of examinees/candidates.

Sec. 10. Supervision of the Board and Custodian of its Records. — The Board shall
be under the supervision and control of the Commission. All records, including applications
for examination, examination papers and results, minutes of deliberation, administrative
cases and investigative cases and investigations involving professional teachers shall be
kept by the Commission.

Sec. 11. Secretariat and Support Services. — The Professional Regulation Commission,
through its chairman, shall provide the secretariat and other support services to implement
effectively the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 12. Removal of a Board Member. — The chairman or any member of the Board
may be removed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the
Commission for neglect of duty, incompetence, unprofessional, unethical, immoral or
dishonorable conduct, commission or toleration of irregularities in the examination, after
having been given the opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative
investigation.
In the course of investigation, the President may preventively suspend the respondent.

ARTICLE III
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

Sec. 13. Examination, Registration and License Required. — Except as otherwise

specifically allowed under the provisions of this Act, all applicants for registration as
professional teachers shall be required to undergo a written examination which shall be
given at least once a year in such places and dates as the Board may determine upon
approval by the Commission. A valid certificate of registration and a valid professional
license from the Commission are required before any person is allowed to practice as a
professional teacher in the Philippines, except as otherwise allowed under this Act.

Sec. 14. Scope of Examination. — The examinations for the elementary and secondary
school teachers shall be separate. The examination for teachers in the elementary level
shall consist of two (2) parts, namely: professional education and general education. The
examination for teachers in the secondary level shall consist of three (3) parts, namely:
professional education, general education, and field of specialization.

Sec. 15. Qualification Requirements of Applicants. — No applicant shall be admitted to

take the examination unless, on the date of filing of the application, he shall have complied
with the following requirements:

(a) A citizen of the Philippines or an alien whose country has reciprocity with the
Philippines in the practice of the teaching profession;

(b) At least eighteen (18) years of age;

(c) In good health and of good reputation with high moral values;

(d) Has not been convicted by final judgment by a court for an offense involving
moral turpitude;

(e) A graduate of a school, college or university recognized by the

government and possesses the minimum educational qualifications, as follows:

(1) For teachers in preschool, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education

(BECED) or its equivalent;

(2) For teachers in the elementary grades, a bachelor's degree in elementary education
(BSEED) or its equivalent;

(3) For teachers in the secondary grades, a bachelor's degree in education or its
equivalent with a major and minor, or a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences with at least
ten (10) units in professional education; and

(4) For teachers of vocational and two-year technical courses, a bachelor's degree in
the field of specialization or its equivalent, with at least eighteen (18) units in professional
education.

Sec. 16. Report of the Results of the Examination. — The Board shall, within one
hundred twenty (120) days after the examination, report the ratings obtained by each
candidate to the Professional Regulation Commission for approval and appropriate action.

Sec. 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional License. — The

registration of a professional teacher commences from the date his name is enrolled in the
roster of professional teachers.

Every registrant who has satisfactorily met all the requirements specified in this Act shall,
upon payment of the registration fee, be issued a certificate of registration as a professional
teacher bearing the full name of the registrant with serial number and date of issuance
signed by the chairman of the Commission and the chairman, vice-chairman, and members
of the Board, stamped with the official seal, as evidence that the person named therein is
entitled to practice the profession with all the rights and privileges appurtenant thereto. The
certificate shall remain in full force and effect until withdrawn, suspended and/or revoked
in accordance with law.

A professional license signed by the chairman of the Commission and bearing the
registration number and date of issuance thereof and the month of expiry or renewability
shall likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the annual registration fees for
three (3) consecutive years. This license shall serve as evidence that the licensee can
lawfully practice his profession until the expiration of its validity.

Sec. 18. Oath Before Practice. — Every registrant shall be required to take his
professional oath before practicing as a professional teacher.

Sec. 19. Periodic Merit Examination of Teachers. — To encourage continuing

professional growth and development and to provide additional basis for merit promotion,
in addition to their performance rating, teachers may take an oral and written examination
at least once in five (5) years as basis for merit promotion. In taking this examination, no
fee shall be required.

Sec. 20. Failure to Pass the Merit Examination. — If a teacher fails to pass the merit
examination, he or she shall be allowed to take the examination for a second time. Should
he or she fail to pass the merit examination for the second time, then he or she shall be
required to take a DECS accredited refresher course or program before being allowed to
retake the examination.

Failure of any permanent teacher to pass the merit examination shall not, however, be used
as a ground for his/her dismissal or demotion.

Sec. 21. Incentives. — Teachers who pass the merit examination shall:

(a) Be awarded a diploma of merit by the Board;

(b) Earn merit points for purposes of promotion in salary or to a higher position
or grade level;

(c) Be placed in the priority list for government scholarship; and

(d) Enjoy such other benefits as may be promulgated by the Board.

Similar incentives shall be given to teachers who make inventions, develop new methods
of teaching, write a book or books and create works of artistic merit.

Sec. 22. Integration of the Teaching Profession. — The teaching profession shall be
integrated into one national organization which shall be recognized by the Board and the
Commission as the one and only integrated and accredited association of professional
teachers. Upon registration with the Board, every professional teacher shall be encouraged
to become a member of the integrated national organization. Those who have been
registered with the Board but are not members of the said integrated organization shall be
allowed to register as members of the said integrated organization within three (3) years
after the effectivity of this Act. Membership in the integrated organization shall not be a
bar to membership in other associations of the teaching profession. The professional
teachers shall receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant to their membership in the
said integrated and accredited organization of professional teachers only upon payment of
the required membership fees and dues.

Sec. 23. Revocation of the Certificate of Registration, Suspension from the Practice of
the Teaching Profession, and Cancellation of Temporary or Special Permit. — The Board
shall have the power, after due notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of
registration of any registrant, to reprimand or to cancel the temporary/special permit of a
holder thereof who is exempt from registration, for any of the following causes:

(a) Conviction for any criminal offense by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(b) Immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct;
(c) Declaration by a court of competent jurisdiction for being mentally unsound or
insane;

(d) Malpractice, gross incompetence, gross negligence or serious ignorance of the

practice of the teaching profession;

(e) The use of or perpetration of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of

registration, professional license or special/temporary permit;

(f) Chronic inebriety or habitual use of drugs;

(g) Violation of any of the provisions of this Act, the rules and regulations and other
policies of the Board and the Commission, and the code of ethical and professional
standards for professional teachers; and

(h) Unjustified or willful failure to attend seminars, workshops, conferences and the
like or the continuing education program prescribed by the Board and the Commission.

The decision of the Board to revoke or suspend a certificate may be appealed to the regional
trial court of the place where the Board holds office within fifteen (15) days from receipt
of the said decision or of the denial of the motion for reconsideration filed in due time.

Sec. 24. Registration by Reciprocity. — No teacher of a foreign nationality shall be

admitted to the examination, or be given a certificate of registration or be entitled to any of
the rights and privileges provided under this Act; unless the country or state of which he is
a subject permits Filipino professional teachers to practice within its territorial limits on
the same basis as subjects or citizens of said country or state: Provided, that the
requirements of certification of teachers with said foreign state or country are substantially
the same as those required and contemplated under this Act: Provided, further, That the
laws of such state or country grant the same privilege to Filipino professional teachers on
the same basis as the subject or citizens of such foreign country or state.

Sec. 25. Roster of Professional Teachers. — A roster of professional teachers

containing the names and addresses of professional teachers, date of registration or
issuance of certificate, and other data which in the opinion of the Board may appear
pertinent shall be maintained. Copies of the roster shall be provided by the Commission to
the Board, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and the integrated and
accredited organization of professional teachers.

Sec. 26. Registration and Exception. — Two (2) years after the effectivity of this Act,
no person shall engage in teaching and/or act as a professional teacher as defined in this
Act, whether in the preschool, elementary or secondary level, unless he is a duly registered
professional teacher, and a holder of a valid certificate of registration and a valid
professional license or a holder of a valid special/temporary permit.

Upon approval of the application and payment of the prescribed fees, the certificate of
registration and professional license as a professional teacher shall be issued without
examination as required in this Act to a qualified applicant, who at the time of the approval
of this Act, is:

(a) A holder of a certificate of eligibility as a teacher issued by the Civil Service

Commission and the Department of Education, Culture and Sports; or

(b) A registered professional teacher with the National Board for Teachers under the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) pursuant to Presidential Decree No.
1006; or

(c) Not qualified under paragraphs one and two but with any of the following
qualifications. to wit:

(1) An elementary or secondary teacher for five (5) years in good standing and a holder
of Bachelor of Science in Education or its equivalent; or

(2) An elementary or secondary teacher for three (3) years in good standing and a
holder of a master's degree in education or its equivalent.
Provided, That they shall be given two (2) years from the organization of the Board for
professional teachers within which to register and be included in the roster of professional
teachers: Provided, further, That those incumbent teachers who are not qualified to register
without examination under this Act or who, albeit qualified, were unable to register within
the two-year period shall be issued a five-year temporary or special permit from the time
the Board is organized within which to register after passing the examination and
complying with the requirements provided this Act and be included in the roster of
professional teachers: Provided, furthermore, That those who have failed the licensure
examination for professional teachers shall be eligible as para-teachers and as such, shall
be issued by the Board a special or temporary permit, and shall be assigned by the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) to schools as it may determine under
the circumstances.

ARTICLE IV
PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF THE TEACHING
PROFESSION

Sec. 27. Inhibition Against the Practice of the Teaching Profession. — Except as
otherwise allowed under this Act, no person shall practice or offer to practice the teaching
profession in the Philippines or be appointed as teacher to any position calling for a
teaching position without having previously obtained a valid certificate of registration and
a valid professional license from the Commission.

Sec. 28. Penal Provisions. — The following shall be punishable by a fine of not less
than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00)
or imprisonment of nor less than six (6) months nor more than five (5) years, or both, at
the discretion of the court:

(a) Any person who practices the teaching profession in the Philippines without being
certified in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(b) Any person who represents or attempts to use as his own certificate of registration
that of another;

(c) Any person who gives any false, or fraudulent evidence of any kind to the Board or
any member thereof in obtaining a certificate of registration as teacher;

(d) Any person who impersonates any registrant of the same or different name;

(e) Any person who uses a revoked or suspended certificate of registration;

(f) Any person who, in connection with his name, otherwise assumes, uses or
advertises any title or description tending to convey or conveys the impression that he is a
teacher without holding a valid certificate; and

(g) Any person who violates or who abets the violation of any of the provisions of this
Act.

The penalty of fine or imprisonment or both, as provided in this section, shall also apply to
any school official who shall cause or be responsible for the commission of any of the
above-enumerated acts.

Sec. 29. Appropriations. — Such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions
 of this Act shall be included in the 1996 General Appropriations Act and thereafter.

Sec. 30. Implementing Guidelines. — The Board shall formulate and adopt the
necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act within
sixty (60) days of its approval.

The Board shall submit to both Committees on Education, Arts, and Culture; and the
Committees on Civil Service and Professional Regulation of the Senate and House of
Representatives, copies of the implementing rules and guidelines within thirty (30) days
after its promulgation. Any violation of this section shall render the official/s concerned
liable under Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees" and other pertinent administrative and/or
penal laws.

Sec. 31. Transitory Provision. — All incumbent teachers in both the public and
private sector not otherwise certified as professional teachers by virtue of this Act, shall
be given (5) years temporary certificates from the time the Board for Professional Teachers
is organized within which to qualify as required by this Act and be included in the roster
of professionals.

Provided, however, That the Professional Board Examination for Teachers (PBET) shall
still be administered by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Education,
Culture and Sports for the year 1995.

Sec. 32. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any section or provision of this
Act or the application of such section or provision to any person or circumstance is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, no other section or provision of this Act shall be affected
thereby.

Sec. 33. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 34. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved: December 16, 1994

 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10627

AN ACT REQUIRING ALL ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO ADOPT

POLICIES TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS THE ACTS OF BULLYING IN THEIR
INSTITUTIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013”.

SEC. 2. Acts of Bullying. – For purposes of this Act, “bullying” shall refer to any severe or
repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical
act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of
actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or
damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the other student;
infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or materially and substantially disrupting
the education process or the orderly operation of a school; such as, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Any unwanted physical contact between the bully and the victim like punching, pushing,
shoving, kicking, slapping, tickling, headlocks, inflicting school pranks, teasing, fighting and
the use of available objects as weapons;
b. Any act that causes damage to a victim’s psyche and/or emotional well-being;
c. Any slanderous statement or accusation that causes the victim undue emotional distress
like directing foul language or profanity at the target, name- calling, tormenting and
commenting negatively on victim’s looks, clothes and body; and

d. Cyber-bullying or any bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means.

SEC. 3. Adoption of Anti-Bullying Policies. – All elementary and secondary schools are
hereby directed to adopt policies to address the existence of bullying in their respective
institutions. Such policies shall be regularly updated and, at a minimum, shall include
provisions which:

(a) Prohibit the following acts:

(1) Bullying on school grounds; property immediately adjacent to school grounds; at school-
sponsored or school-related activities, functions or programs whether on or off school grounds;
at school bus stops; on school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by a school; or
through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by a school;
Bullying at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related and through the
use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a school if
the act or acts in question create a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringe
on the rights of the victim at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education
process or the orderly operation of a school; and

(2) Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, who provides information during an
investigation of bullying, or who is a witness to or has reliable information about bullying;

(b) Identify the range of disciplinary administrative actions that may be taken against a
perpetrator for bullying or retaliation which shall be commensurate with the nature and gravity
of the offense: Provided, That, in addition to the disciplinary sanctions imposed upon a
perpetrator of bullying or retaliation, he/she shall also be required to undergo a rehabilitation
program which shall be administered by the institution concerned. The parents of the said
perpetrator shall be encouraged by the said institution to join the rehabilitation program;

(c) Establish clear procedures and strategies for:

(1) Reporting acts of bullying or retaliation;

(2) Responding promptly to and investigating reports of bullying or retaliation;

(3) Restoring a sense of safety for a victim and assessing the student’s need for protection;

(4) Protecting from bullying or retaliation of a person who reports acts of bullying, provides
information during an investigation of bullying, or is witness to or has reliable information
about an act of bullying; and

(5) Providing counseling or referral to appropriate services for perpetrators, victims and
appropriate family members of said students;

(d) Enable students to anonymously report bullying or retaliation: Provided, however, That
no disciplinary administrative action shall be taken against a perpetrator solely on the basis of
an anonymous report;

(e) Subject a student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying to disciplinary
administrative action;

(f) Educate students on the dynamics of bullying, the anti-bullying policies of the school as
well as the mechanisms of such school for the anonymous reporting of acts of bullying or
retaliation;

(g) Educate parents and guardians about the dynamics of bullying, the anti- bullying policies
of the school and how parents and guardians can provide support and reinforce such policies
at home; and

(h) Maintain a public record of relevant information and statistics on acts of bullying or
retaliation in school: Provided, That the names of students who committed acts of
bullying or retaliation shall be strictly confidential and only made available to the school
administration, teachers directly responsible for the said students and parents or guardians of
students who are or have been victims of acts of bullying or retaliation.

All elementary and secondary schools shall provide students and their parents or guardians a
copy of the anti-bullying policies being adopted by the school. Such policies shall likewise be
included in the school’s student and/or employee handbook and shall be conspicuously posted
on the school walls and website, if there is any.

The Department of Education (DepED) shall include in its training programs, courses or
activities which shall provide opportunities for school administrators, teachers and other
employees to develop their knowledge and skills in preventing or responding to any bullying
act.

SEC. 4. Mechanisms to Address Bullying. – The school principal or any person who holds a
comparable role shall be responsible for the implementation and oversight of policies intended
to address bullying.

Any member of the school administration, student, parent or volunteer shall immediately report
any instance of bullying or act of retaliation witnessed, or that has come to one’s attention, to
the school principal or school officer or person so designated by the principal to handle such
issues, or both. Upon receipt of such a report, the school principal or the designated school
officer or person shall promptly investigate. If it is determined that bullying or retaliation has
occurred, the school principal or the designated school officer or person shall:

(a) Notify the law enforcement agency if the school principal or designee believes that criminal
charges under the Revised Penal Code may be pursued against the perpetrator;
(b) Take appropriate disciplinary administrative action;
(c) Notify the parents or guardians of the perpetrator; and
(d) Notify the parents or guardians of the victim regarding the action taken to prevent any
further acts of bullying or retaliation.
If an incident of bullying or retaliation involves students from more than one school, the school
first informed of the bullying or retaliation shall promptly notify the appropriate administrator
of the other school so that both may take appropriate action.

SEC. 5. Reporting Requirement. – All schools shall inform their respective schools division
superintendents in writing about the anti-bullying policies formulated within six (6) months
from the effectivity of this Act. Such notification shall likewise be an administrative
requirement prior to the operation of new schools.

Beginning with the school year after the effectivity of this Act, and every first week of the
start of the school year thereafter, schools shall submit a report to their respective schools
division superintendents all relevant information and statistics on acts of bullying or retaliation.
The schools division superintendents shall compile these data and report the same to the
Secretary of the DepED who shall likewise formally transmit a comprehensive report to the
Committee on Basic Education of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

SEC. 6. Sanction for Noncompliance. – In the rules and regulations to be implemented pursuant
to this Act, the Secretary of the DepED shall prescribe the appropriate administrative sanctions
on school administrators who shall fail to comply with the requirements under this Act. In
addition thereto, erring private schools shall likewise suffer the penalty of suspension of their
permits to operate.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the DepED shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the
provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared to be
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force or effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof
which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved: 12 September 2013.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 4670 June 18, 1966
THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
I. DECLARATION OF POLICY COVERAGE
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act to promote and
improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working
conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects in order that they may compare
favorably with existing opportunities in other walks of life, attract and retain in the teaching
profession more people with the proper qualifications, it being recognized that advance in
education depends on the qualifications and ability of the teaching staff and that education is an
essential factor in the economic growth of the nation as a productive investment of vital
importance.
Section 2. Title Definition. This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public School
Teachers" and shall apply to all public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state
colleges and universities.
As used in this Act, the term "teacher" shall mean all persons engaged in classroom teaching, in
any level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counselors, school librarians,
industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing supervisory and/or
administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated by the Government or
its political subdivisions; but shall not include school nurses, school physicians, school dentists,
and other school employees.
II. RECRUITMENT AND CAREER
Section 3. Recruitment and Qualification. Recruitment policy with respect to the selection and
appointment of teachers shall be clearly defined by the Department of
Education: Provided, however, That effective upon the approval of this Act, the following shall
constitute the minimum educational qualifications for teacher-applicants:
(a) For teachers in the kindergarten and elementary grades, Bachelor's degree in Elementary
Education (B.S.E.ED.);
(b) For teachers of the secondary schools, Bachelor's degree in Education or its equivalent with a
major and a minor; or a Bachelor's degree in Arts or Science with at least eighteen professional
units in Education.
(c) For teachers of secondary vocational and two years technical courses, Bachelor's degree in the
field of specialization with at least eighteen professional units in education;
(d) For teachers of courses on the collegiate level, other than vocational, master's degree with a
specific area of specialization;
Provided, further, That in the absence of applicants who possess the minimum educational
qualifications as hereinabove provided, the school superintendent may appoint, under a temporary
status, applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications: Provided, further, That should
teacher-applicants, whether they possess the minimum educational qualifications or not, be
required to take competitive examinations, preference in making appointments shall be in the order
of their respective ranks in said competitive examinations: And provided, finally, That the results
of the examinations shall be made public and every applicant shall be furnished with his score and
rank in said examinations.
Section 4. Probationary Period. When recruitment takes place after adequate training and
professional preparation in any school recognized by the Government, no probationary period
preceding regular appointment shall be imposed if the teacher possesses the appropriate civil
service eligibility: Provided, however, That where, due to the exigencies of the service, it is
necessary to employ as teacher a person who possesses the minimum educational qualifications
herein above set forth but lacks the appropriate civil service eligibility, such person shall be
appointed on a provisional status and shall undergo a period of probation for not less than one year
from and after the date of his provisional appointment.
Section 5. Tenure of Office. Stability on employment and security of tenure shall be assured the
teachers as provided under existing laws.
Subject to the provisions of Section three hereof, teachers appointed on a provisional status for
lack of necessary civil service eligibility shall be extended permanent appointment for the position
he is holding after having rendered at least ten years of continuous, efficient and faithful service
in such position.
Section 6. Consent for Transfer Transportation Expenses. Except for cause and as herein
otherwise provided, no teacher shall be transferred without his consent from one station to another.
Where the exigencies of the service require the transfer of a teacher from one station to another,
such transfer may be effected by the school superintendent who shall previously notify the teacher
concerned of the transfer and the reason or reasons therefor. If the teacher believes there is no
justification for the transfer, he may appeal his case to the Director of Public Schools or the
Director of Vocational Education, as the case may be. Pending his appeal and the decision thereon,
his transfer shall be held in abeyance: Provided, however, That no transfers whatever shall be made
three months before any local or national election.
Necessary transfer expenses of the teacher and his family shall be paid for by the Government if
his transfer is finally approved.
Section 7. Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers. Within six months from the approval of
this Act, the Secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare a Code of Professional Conduct
for Public School Teachers. A copy of the Code shall be furnished each
teacher: Provided, however, That where this is not possible by reason of inadequate fiscal
resources of the Department of Education, at least three copies of the same Code shall be deposited
with the office of the school principal or head teacher where they may be accessible for use by the
teachers.
Section 8. Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedure. Every teacher shall enjoy equitable safeguards
at each stage of any disciplinary procedure and shall have:
a. the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;
b. the right to full access to the evidence in the case;
c. the right to defend himself and to be defended by a representative of his choice and/or by his
organization, adequate time being given to the teacher for the preparation of his defense; and
d. the right to appeal to clearly designated authorities.
No publicity shall be given to any disciplinary action being taken against a teacher during the
pendency of his case.
Section 9. Administrative Charges. Administrative charges against a teacher shall be heard
initially by a committee composed of the corresponding School Superintendent of the Division or
a duly authorized representative who should at least have the rank of a division supervisor, where
the teacher belongs, as chairman, a representative of the local or, in its absence, any existing
provincial or national teacher's organization and a supervisor of the Division, the last two to be
designated by the Director of Public Schools. The committee shall submit its findings and
recommendations to the Director of Public Schools within thirty days from the termination of the
hearings: Provided, however, That where the school superintendent is the complainant or an
interested party, all the members of the committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of
Education.
Section 10. No Discrimination. There shall be no discrimination whatsoever in entrance to the
teaching profession, or during its exercise, or in the termination of services, based on other than
professional consideration.
Section 11. Married Teachers. Whenever possible, the proper authorities shall take all steps to
enable married couples, both of whom are public school teachers, to be employed in the same
locality.
Section 12. Academic Freedom. Teachers shall enjoy academic freedom in the discharge of their
professional duties, particularly with regard to teaching and classroom methods.
III. HOURS OF WORK AND REMUNERATION
Section 13. Teaching Hours. Any teacher engaged in actual classroom instruction shall not be
required to render more than six hours of actual classroom teaching a day, which shall be so
scheduled as to give him time for the preparation and correction of exercises and other work
incidental to his normal teaching duties: Provided, however, That where the exigencies of the
service so require, any teacher may be required to render more than six hours but not exceeding
eight hours of actual classroom teaching a day upon payment of additional compensation at the
same rate as his regular remuneration plus at least twenty-five per cent of his basic pay.
Section 14. Additional Compensation. Notwithstanding any provision of existing law to the
contrary, co-curricula and out of school activities and any other activities outside of what is defined
as normal duties of any teacher shall be paid an additional compensation of at least twenty-five
per cent of his regular remuneration after the teacher has completed at least six hours of actual
classroom teaching a day.
In the case of other teachers or school officials not engaged in actual classroom instruction, any
work performed in excess of eight hours a day shall be paid an additional compensation of at least
twenty-five per cent of their regular remuneration.
The agencies utilizing the services of teachers shall pay the additional compensation required
under this section.1âшphi1 Education authorities shall refuse to allow the rendition of services of
teachers for other government agencies without the assurance that the teachers shall be paid the
remuneration provided for under this section.
Section 15. Criteria for Salaries. Teacher's salaries shall correspond to the following criteria:
(a) they shall compare favorably with those paid in other occupations requiring equivalent or
similar qualifications, training and abilities;
(b) they shall be such as to insure teachers a reasonable standard of life for themselves and their
families; and
(c) they shall be properly graded so as to recognize the fact that certain positions require higher
qualifications and greater responsibility than others: Provided, however, That the general salary
scale shall be such that the relation between the lowest and highest salaries paid in the profession
will be of reasonable order. Narrowing of the salary scale shall be achieved by raising the lower
end of the salary scales relative to the upper end.
Section 16. Salary Scale. Salary scales of teachers shall provide for a gradual progression from a
minimum to a maximum salary by means of regular increments, granted automatically after three
years: Provided, That the efficiency rating of the teacher concerned is at least satisfactory. The
progression from the minimum to the maximum of the salary scale shall not extend over a period
of ten years.
Section 17. Equality in Salary Scales. The salary scales of teachers whose salaries are appropriated
by a city, municipal, municipal district, or provincial government, shall not be less than those
provided for teachers of the National Government.
Section 18. Cost of Living Allowance. Teacher's salaries shall, at the very least, keep pace with the
rise in the cost of living by the payment of a cost-of-living allowance which shall automatically
follow changes in a cost-of-living index. The Secretary of Education shall, in consultation with the
proper government entities, recommend to Congress, at least annually, the appropriation of the
necessary funds for the cost-of-living allowances of teachers employed by the National
Government. The determination of the cost-of-living allowances by the Secretary of Education
shall, upon approval of the President of the Philippines, be binding on the city, municipal or
provincial government, for the purposes of calculating the cost-of-living allowances of teachers
under its employ.
Section 19. Special Hardship Allowances. In areas in which teachers are exposed to hardship such
as difficulty in commuting to the place of work or other hazards peculiar to the place of
employment, as determined by the Secretary of Education, they shall be compensated special
hardship allowances equivalent to at least twenty-five per cent of their monthly salary.
Section 20. Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender. Salaries of teachers shall be paid in legal tender
of the Philippines or its equivalent in checks or treasury warrants. Provided, however, That such
checks or treasury warrants shall be cashable in any national, provincial, city or municipal
treasurer's office or any banking institutions operating under the laws of the Republic of the
Philippines.
Section 21. Deductions Prohibited. No person shall make any deduction whatsoever from the
salaries of teachers except under specific authority of law authorizing such
deductions: Provided, however, That upon written authority executed by the teacher concerned,
(1) lawful dues and fees owing to the Philippine Public School Teachers Association, and (2)
premiums properly due on insurance policies, shall be considered deductible.
IV. HEALTH MEASURES AND INJURY BENEFITS
Section 22. Medical Examination and Treatment. Compulsory medical examination shall be
provided free of charge for all teachers before they take up teaching, and shall be repeated not less
than once a year during the teacher's professional life. Where medical examination show that
medical treatment and/or hospitalization is necessary, same shall be provided free by the
government entity paying the salary of the teachers.
In regions where there is scarcity of medical facilities, teachers may obtain elsewhere the necessary
medical care with the right to be reimbursed for their traveling expenses by the government entity
concerned in the first paragraph of this Section.
Section 23. Compensation For Injuries. Teachers shall be protected against the consequences of
employment injuries in accordance with existing laws. The effects of the physical and nervous
strain on the teacher's health shall be recognized as a compensable occupational disease in
accordance with existing laws.
V. LEAVE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Section 24. Study Leave. In addition to the leave privileges now enjoyed by teachers in the public
schools, they shall be entitled to study leave not exceeding one school year after seven years of
service. Such leave shall be granted in accordance with a schedule set by the Department of
Education. During the period of such leave, the teachers shall be entitled to at least sixty per cent
of their monthly salary: Provided, however, That no teacher shall be allowed to accumulate more
than one year study leave, unless he needs an additional semester to finish his thesis for a graduate
study in education or allied courses: Provided, further, That no compensation shall be due the
teacher after the first year of such leave. In all cases, the study leave period shall be counted for
seniority and pension purposes.
The compensation allowed for one year study leave as herein provided shall be subject to the
condition that the teacher takes the regular study load and passes at least seventy-five per cent of
his courses. Study leave of more than one year may be permitted by the Secretary of Education
but without compensation.
Section 25. Indefinite Leave. An indefinite sick leave of absence shall be granted to teachers when
the nature of the illness demands a long treatment that will exceed one year at the least.
Section 26. Salary Increase upon Retirement. Public school teachers having fulfilled the age and
service requirements of the applicable retirement laws shall be given one range salary raise upon
retirement, which shall be the basis of the computation of the lump sum of the retirement pay and
the monthly benefits thereafter.
VI. TEACHER'S ORGANIZATION
Section 27. Freedom to Organize. Public school teachers shall have the right to freely and without
previous authorization both to establish and to join organizations of their choosing, whether local
or national to further and defend their interests.
Section 28. Discrimination Against Teachers Prohibited. The rights established in the immediately
preceding Section shall be exercised without any interference or coercion. It shall be unlawful for
any person to commit any acts of discrimination against teachers which are calculated to (a) make
the employment of a teacher subject to the condition that he shall not join an organization, or shall
relinquish membership in an organization,
(b) to cause the dismissal of or otherwise prejudice a teacher by reason of his membership in an
organization or because of participation in organization activities outside school hours, or with the
consent of the proper school authorities, within school hours, and (c) to prevent him from carrying
out the duties laid upon him by his position in the organization, or to penalize him for an action
undertaken in that capacity.
Section 29. National Teacher's Organizations. National teachers' organizations shall be consulted
in the formulation of national educational policies and professional standards, and in the
formulation of national policies governing the social security of the teachers.
VII. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 30. Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare the
necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Rules and regulations
issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty days after publication in a newspaper of
general circulation and by such other means as the Secretary of Education deems reasonably
sufficient to give interested parties general notice of such issuance.
Section 31. Budgetary Estimates. The Secretary of Education shall submit to Congress annually
the necessary budgetary estimates to implement the provisions of the Act concerning the benefits
herein granted to public school teachers under the employ of the National Government.
Section 32. Penal Provision. A person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain or coerce any
teacher in the exercise of his rights guaranteed by this Act or who shall in any other manner
commit any act to defeat any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by
a fine of not less than one hundred pesos nor more than one thousand pesos, or by imprisonment,
in the discretion of the court.
If the offender is a public official, the court shall order his dismissal from the Government
service.
Section 33. Repealing Clause. All Acts or parts of Acts, executive orders and their implementing
rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.
Section 34. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the remainder of
this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and in effect.
Section 35. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 18, 1966
REPUBLIC ACT 7877
AN ACT DECLARING SEXUAL HARASSMENT UNLAWFUL IN THE
EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR TRAINING ENVIRONMENT, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall value the dignity of every individual, enhance
the development of its human resources, guarantee full respect for human rights, and uphold the
dignity of workers, employees, applicants for employment, students or those undergoing
training, instruction or education. Towards this end, all forms of sexual harassment in the
employment, education or training environment are hereby declared unlawful.
SEC. 3. Work, Education or Training-related Sexual Harassment Defined. — Work, education or
training-related sexual harassment is committed by an employer, employee, manager, supervisor,
agent of the employer, teacher, instructor, professor, coach, trainor, or any other person who,
having authority, influence or moral ascendancy over another in a work or training or education
environment, demands, requests or otherwise requires any sexual favor from the other, regardless
of whether the demand, request or requirement for submission is accepted by the object of said
Act.
(a) In a work-related or employment environment, sexual harassment is committed when:
(1) The sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring or in the employment,
re-employment or continued employment of said individual, or in granting
said individual favorable compensation, terms, conditions, promotions, or
privileges; or the refusal to grant the sexual favor results in limiting,
segregating or classifying the employee which in any way would
discriminate, deprive or diminish employment opportunities or otherwise
adversely affect said employee;
(2) The above acts wold impair the employee’s rights or privileges under
existing labor laws; or
(3) The above acts would result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
environment for the employee.
(b) In an education or training environment, sexual harassment is committed:
(1) Against one who is under the care, custody or supervision of the offender;
(2) Against one whose education, training, apprenticeship or tutorship is entrusted to the
offender;
 (3) When the sexual favor is made a condition to the giving of a passing grade, or the
granting of honors and scholarships, or the payment of a stipend, allowance or other
benefits, privileges, or considerations; or
(4) When the sexual advances result in an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for
the student, trainee or apprentice.
Any person who directs or induces another to commit any act of sexual harassment as herein
defined, or who cooperates in the commission thereof by another without which it would not
have been committed, shall also be held liable under this Act.
SEC. 4. Duty of the Employer or Head of Office in a Work-related, Education or Training
Environment. — It shall be the duty of the employer or the head of the work- related, educational
or training environment or institution, to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual
harassment and to provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts of
sexual harassment. Towards this end, the employer or head of office shall:

(a) Promulgate appropriate rules and regulations in consultation with and jointly approved by
the employees or students or trainees, through their duly designated representatives,
prescribing the procedure for the investigation of sexual harassment cases and the
administrative sanctions therefor.
Administrative sanctions shall not be a bar to prosecution in the proper courts for unlawful acts
of sexual harassment.
The said rules and regulations issued pursuant to this subsection (a) shall include, among others,
guidelines on proper decorum in the workplace and educational or training institutions.

(b) Create a committee on decorum and investigation of cases on sexual harassment. The
committee shall conduct meetings, as the case may be, with officers and employees,
teachers, instructors, professors, coaches, trainors and students or trainees to increase
understanding and prevent incidents of sexual harassment. It shall also conduct the
investigation of alleged cases constituting sexual harassment.
In the case of a work-related environment, the committee shall be composed of at least one (1)
representative each from the management, the union, if any, the employees from the supervisory
rank, and from the rank and file employees.
In the case of the educational or training institution, the committee shall be composed of at least
one (1) representative from the administration, the trainors, teachers, instructors, professors or
coaches and students or trainees, as the case may be.
The employer or head of office, educational or training institution shall disseminate or post a
copy of this Act for the information of all concerned.
SEC. 5. Liability of the Employer, Head of Office, Educational or Training Institution. — The
employer or head of office, educational or training institution shall be solidarily liable for
damages arising from the acts of sexual harassment committed in the employment, education or
training environment if the employer or head of office, educational or training institution is
informed of such acts by the offended party and no immediate action is taken thereon.
SEC. 6. Independent Action for Damages. — Nothing in this Act shall preclude the victim of
work, education or training-related sexual harassment from instituting a separate and
independent action for damages and other affirmative relief.

SEC. 7. Penalties. — Any person who violates the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction,
be penalized by imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, or a
fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000), or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.
Any action arising from the violation of the provisions of this Act shall prescribe in three (3)
years.
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared void or
unconstitutional, the remaining portions or provisions hereof shall not be affected by such
declaration.

Approved,

(Sgd.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA (Sgd.) JOSE DE VENECIA, JR.

President of the Senate Speaker of the House of
Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of House Bill No. 9425 and Senate Bill No.
1632 was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 8,
1995.

(Sgd.) EDGARDO E. TUMANGAN (Sgd.) CAMILO L. SABIO

Secretary of the Senate Secretary General
House of Representatives

Approved: February 14, 1995

(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS

President of the Philippines
 MC NO. 19, S. of 1994

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR

TO: All Heads of Departments, Bureaus and Agencies of the National and
Local Government Including Government Owned and Controlled
Corporations And State Colleges and Universities

SUBJECT: POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 94-2854 dated May 31, 1994, the Commission
has adopted a Policy on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 94-2854

WHEREAS, the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full
respect to human rights.

WHEREAS, sexual harassment is recognized as a violation of human rights, morale

and efficiency in the workplace, violates the merit and fitness principle in the civil service
and creates a hostile environment in the workplace which adversely affect productive
performance.

WHEREAS, Section 4 RA 6713, provides for norms of personal conduct which

every public official and employee must observe in the discharge and execution of official
duties; that they shall act without discrimination against anyone, and shall at all times
respect the rights of others and refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good
customs, public policy, public order, public safety and public interest.

WHEREAS, Section 1, Chapter I, Title (A), Book V of the Administrative Code of

1987 and Section 4(B), RA 6713, empower the Civil Service Commission to adopt positive
measures, to promote morale and efficiency, and observance of the standards of personal
conduct, among others, in the civil service;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission hereby resolves to promulgate this Policy on

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Section 1. Policy Statement and Objective

It is the policy of the state to afford protection to working women and ensure equal
work opportunity for all, as well as full respect for human rights. Towards this end, the
 Civil Service Commission commits to provide a work environment supportive of
productivity, wherein all officials and employees area treated with dignity and respect and
will not tolerate any sexual harassment, whether engaged in by fellow employees,
supervisors, associates or clients;

Sexual harassment by another employee or officer constitutes a ground for

administrative disciplinary action under the offense of Grave Misconduct, Conduct
Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service or Simple Misconduct provided in Section
46(b), Chapter 6, Title I(A), Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 and subject to
penalties up to dismissal from the service.
Section 2. Coverage

This policy covers all officials and employees in government, whether in the Career
or Non-Career Service, holding positions under permanent or temporary status in the
national or local government, including government-owned or controlled corporations,
with original charters, state colleges and universities.

This policy shall also include applicants for employment after the application has
been received by the agency.

The Commission recognizes that officers and employees may be the subject of
sexual harassment by clients who transact business with them. Under this circumstance,
the head of agency shall take responsibility to support and assist the person subjected to
such sexual harassment.

Notwithstanding the existence of this policy, every person can have the right to seek
redress from the courts, even when steps are being taken under this policy.

This policy is not intended to constrain social interaction between people in

government.
Section 3. Definition.
Sexual harassment is one or a series of incidents involving unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature,
made directly, indirectly and impliedly when:
(1) such conduct might reasonably be expected to cause insecurity, discomfort,
offense or humiliation to another person or group; or

(2) submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a

condition of employment, or any opportunity for training or grant of
scholarship, or

(3) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for any

employment decision (including, but not limited to, matters of promotion,
raise in salary, job security and benefits affecting the employee); or
 (4) such conduct has the purpose or the effect of interfering with a person’s
work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work
environment.

(b) For this purpose, “employment-related sexual harassment” means sexual

harassment by a member or employee of the agency which occurs:

(1) in the working environment, or

(2) anywhere else as a result of employment responsibilities or employment

relationship.
It includes but is not limited to sexual harassment:

- at the office
- outside the office
- at office-related social functions
- in the course of work assignments outside the office
- at work-related conferences or training sessions
- during work-related travel
- over the telephone

Section 4. Responsibilities of Heads of Agencies

The head of agency is responsible for:

(1) informing officials and employees of this Policy on Sexual Harassment

including their rights and responsibilities and the existence of procedures
available under this policy;

(2) investigating every formal written complaint of sexual harassment and

imposing strict disciplinary measures when a complaint of employment
related sexual harassment is found to have been substantiated, regardless of
the position and status of the offender;

(3) doing all in its power to provide advice, support and assistance to employees
of the agency and applicants who are subjected to sexual harassment, whether
one or both parties involved are employed within the same agency;

(4) appointing advisors, and providing the training and resources for them to
fulfill their responsibilities under this policy;

(5) designating an officer of the agency who will be responsible for the
investigation and hearing of complaints on sexual harassment;

(6) strictly maintaining confidentiality in all stages of the proceedings to protect

the interests of the complainant, the person complained against and any other
 person who may report cases of sexual harassment;
(7) maintaining records as required by this policy.

Section 5. Procedures in disposition of Sexual Harassment Cases

All complaints for sexual harassment shall be investigated and disposed of in

accordance with existing rules and procedures on administrative proceedings.

WHEREFORE, the Commission resolves as it hereby resolved to approve this

Policy on Sexual Harassment.

You are hereby enjoined to adopt and implement this Policy upon its effectivity.

This Memorandum Circular takes effect fifteen days (15) after publication in a
newspaper of general circulation.

PATRICIA A. STO. TOMAS

Chairman

Republic of the Philippines

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

Resolution No. 956161

WHEREAS, the State values the dignity of every human being and guarantees full
respect for human rights;

WHEREAS, an act of sexual harassment is recognized as a violation of human

rights, defeats and impairs morale and efficiency in the workplace, violates the merit and
fitness principle in the civil service and creates or fosters a hostile environment in the
workplace which adversely affect productive performance;

WHEREAS, R.A. 7877, An Act Declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful in the

Employment, Education or Training Environment and for other purposes, was enacted on
February 14, 1995 and became effective on March 5, 1995, fifteen days after its publication
in the Malaya and Times Journal on February 18, 1995.

WHEREAS, Section 4, Republic Act 7877 mandates each employer or head of

agency to promulgate appropriate rules and regulations in consultation with and jointly
approved by the employees through their duly designated representatives, to include
guidelines on proper decorum and to create a Committee on Decorum and Investigation;

NOW, THEREFORE, this Commission hereby promulgates these Rules and

Regulations prescribing procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution and
adjudication of sexual harassment cases, as well as guidelines for the proper decorum of
officials and employees in the Commission which shall be supplementary to these Rules
(under separate cover);
Rule I. COVERAGE

Section 1. These Rules shall apply to all officials and employees in the
Commission, including the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), Regional and Field
Offices, whether in the Career or Non-Career service and holding positions under
permanent or temporary status.

Rule II. JURISDICTION

Section 2. Jurisdiction. - The Commission as the disciplining authority over all its
officials and employees shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction over acts and omissions which
constitute sexual harassment. The decision of the Commission shall be final and appealable
only to the Court of Appeals.
Rule III. DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Section 3. Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct involving an act or a series

of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical
behaviour of a sexual nature, made directly, indirectly or impliedly under the following
instances:

(a) such behaviour might reasonably be expected to cause discrimination,

insecurity, discomfort, offense or humiliation to another person or group; or

(b) submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a condition of

employment; or

(c) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for any employment
decision (including, but not limited to, matters of promotion, raise in salary, job
security and benefits affecting the employee); or

(d) such behaviour has the purpose or the effect of interfering with a person's work
performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work
environment.

Rule IV. SPECIFIC ACTS CONSTITUTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Section 4. The following acts constitute Employment or Work-Related Sexual

Harassment:

(a) Demand, request or requirement for sexual favor is made for the following
considerations:

1. as a condition for hiring or employment, re-employment or continued

employment of an individual, or

2. in granting said individual favorable compensation, terms or conditions of

employment, promotion or privileges;

(b) the demand, request or requirement for sexual favor is made against one
whose training is entrusted to the offender;

(c) the refusal of the demand, request or requirement for sexual favor will limit,
classify or segregate an employee as would discriminate, deprive or diminish
employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect said employee;
(d) the demand, request or requirement for sexual favor would result in
intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for the employee.

For this purpose, work or employment related sexual harassment may take place in
the following:

1. the office
2. anywhere else as a result of work responsibilities or employment
relations
3. at office related social functions
4. while on official business outside the office or during work-related
travel
5. at official conferences, fora, symposia or training sessions
6. over the telephone, cellular phone, fax machine, E-mail

Rule V. FORMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Section 5. The acts of sexual harassment may take any of the following forms:

(a) Physical

i. Physical Contact or Malicious Touching

ii. Overt sexual advances
iii. Unwelcome, improper or any unnecessary gesture of a sexual
nature; or
iv. any other suggestive expression or lewd insinuation
 (b) Verbal, such as requests or demands for sexual favors or lurid remarks

(c) Use of objects, pictures, letters or written notes with bold persuasive sexual
under-pinnings and which create a hostile, offensive or intimidating work or
training environment which is annoying or disgusting to the victim.

Rule VI. PERSONS LIABLE FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Section 6. Any official having authority, influence or moral ascendancy over

another person in the Commission, or employee, regardless of sex, are liable for sexual
harassment in the Commission.

Any official or employee in the Commission, regardless of sex shall similarly be

held liable for sexual harassment under the following circumstances:
1. Directing or inducing another to commit any of the acts of sexual harassment
defined in these Rules (Principal by Induction) or

2. Cooperating in the commission of the sexual harassment by another without

which it would not have been committed (Principal by Indispensable
Cooperation).

Rule VII. DUTY OF THE COMMISSION

Section 7. The Commission shall initiate measures to:

(a) prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment through an

extensive awareness campaign or informal education, research and survey of
data to determine extent of the problem, the profile of harassers and their
victims and the forms of sexual harassment take and its consequences;

(b) implement the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts of
sexual harassment provided in these Rules;

(c) create a Committee on Decorum and Investigation of cases on sexual

harassment; and

(d) furnish a copy of these Rules and Regulations to each of the officer or employee
in the Commission and post a copy thereof in two conspicuous locations in
places of work or training.

Rule VIII. COMMITTEE ON DECORUM AND

INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASES

Section 8. A Committee on Decorum and Investigation shall be created in the

Commission and each Regional Office, including the Career Executive Service Board
(CESB). Said Committee shall perform the following:

(a) Receive the complaint, file the formal charge and investigate and conduct
hearings in accordance with the Uniform Rules of Procedure in the Conduct of
Administrative Investigation in the Civil Service Commission. It shall submit
a report of its findings with the corresponding recommendation to the
Commission for final decision. Said report shall be considered strictly
confidential.
(b) Conduct meetings with officers, employees and trainees to increase
understanding and prevent incidents of sexual harassment; and
(c) Recommend measures to the Commission that will expedite the investigation
and adjudication of sexual harassment cases.

In the Regional Office, the authority to investigate and hear sexual harassment case
shall devolve upon the Local Committee which shall submit the report of investigation with
its findings and recommendation directly to the Commission.

When a member of the Committee is a complainant or respondent in a sexual

harassment case, the member shall inhibit himself/herself from the deliberations of the
Committee.

Section 9. Composition. The Committee on Decorum and Investigation shall be

composed of the following:

(a) Central Committee

• Chairman: A Director appointed by the Commission for a term of one (1)

year
• The CSC Focal Point on Women and Development
• President CSC Employee Association or in the Absence thereof, a
representative elected by the General Assembly
• An employee in the Second Level
• An employee in the First Level

(b) Local Committee

• The Regional Director as Chairman

• Equality Advocate (EQUAD) in the Regional office
• A representative of the Employee Association
• An employee in the Second Level
• An employee in the First Level

The representatives of the First and Second level employees in the Personnel
Selection Board of this Commission who have been elected in a general assembly of
employees shall concurrently sit as members of the Committee on Decorum and
Investigation..
Rule IX. PROCEDURES IN THE DISPOSITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
CASES

Section 10. All complaints for sexual harassment must be under oath and supported
by the Affidavit of the offended party. Any complaint shall be investigated and disposed of
in accordance with the Uniform Rules of Procedure in the Conduct of Administrative
Investigations in the Civil Service Commission.
No action shall be taken on an anonymous complaint, nor shall any civil servant be
required to answer or comment on said anonymous complaint.

Section 11. Action on the Complaint. Upon receipt of a complaint which is

sufficient in form and substance, the head of office shall within five (5) days transmit the
same to the Committee on Decorum and Investigation. The Committee on Decorum, both
central and local, shall have authority to file the formal charge. The Committee for this
purpose will designate a hearing officer from among themselves.

Section 12. Preliminary Investigation. A preliminary investigation shall be

conducted by the Committee wherein the complainant and the respondent shall submit their
affidavits and counter-affidavits, as well as those of their witnesses. Failure of the
respondent to submit his counter affidavit shall be construed as a waiver thereof.

During the inquiry or proceedings, the parties and their witnesses shall be asked to
affirm their signature on said documents and the truthfulness of the statements contained
therein. Under no circumstances shall cross-examination of the witnesses be allowed but
the hearing officer may propound clarificatory questions.

Section 13. Failure to Affirm Signature and the Contents of Affidavit. Failure of
the parties or witnesses to affirm their signature in their affidavits and the contents thereof
during the preliminary investigation shall render such affidavit without evidentiary value.

Section 14. Record of Proceedings. During the preliminary investigation, the

hearing officer shall record in his own handwriting his clarificatory questions to the parties
and their witnesses and the answers given thereto. Such record and other notes made by
the Hearing Officer shall form part of the records of the case.

Section 15. Duration of Investigation. The preliminary investigation shall

commence not later than five (5) days from receipt of the complaint by the Central or Local
Committee and shall be terminated not later than ten (10) days thereafter.

Section 16. Investigation Report. Within five (5) days from the termination of the
preliminary investigation, the investigating officer shall submit the Report of Investigation
and the complete records of the proceeding to the Committee on Decorum for appropriate
action.

Section 17. Formal Charge. When the Committee finds the existence of a prima
facie case, the respondent shall be formally charged. The respondent shall be furnished
copies of the complaint, sworn statements and other documents submitted by the
complainant, unless the respondent shall be given at least seventy-two (72) hours from
receipt of said formal charge to submit the answer under oath, together with the affidavits
of the witnesses and other evidence. The respondent shall also be informed of the right to
assistance of a counsel of his/her choice. If the respondent has already submitted the
comment and counter-affidavits during the preliminary investigation, the respondent shall
be given opportunity to submit additional evidence.
Section 18. Conduct of Formal Investigation. A formal investigation shall be held
after the respondent has filed the answer or after the period for filing an answer has expired.
It shall be completed within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of the formal
charge, unless the period is extended by the Commission in meritorious cases.

Although the respondent did not elect a formal investigation, one shall nevertheless
be conducted if upon evaluation of the complaint, the answer, and the documents in support
thereof, the merits of the case can not be judiciously resolved without conducting such a
formal investigation.

Section 19. Failure to File an Answer. If respondent fails or refuses to file the
answer, respondent shall be considered to have waived the right to file an answer to the
charges and formal investigation may already commence.

Section 20. Continuous Hearing Until Terminated: Postponement. Hearing shall

be conducted on the hearing dates set by the hearing officer or as agreed upon during the
pre-hearing conference. Postponements shall not be allowed except in meritorious cases,
provided, that a party shall not be granted more than two (2) postponements.

The parties, their counsel and witnesses, if any shall be given a notice at least (5)
days before the first scheduled hearing specifying the time, date, and place of the said
hearing and subsequent hearings. Thereafter, the schedule of hearings previously set shall
be strictly followed without further notice.

If the respondent fails or refuses to appear during the scheduled hearings, the
investigation shall proceed ex parte and the respondent is deemed to have waived the right
to be present and to submit evidence in his/her favor during those hearings.

Rule X. ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITIES

Section 21. Any person who is found guilty of sexual harassment shall after
investigation be meted the penalty corresponding to the gravity and seriousness of the
offense.

Section 22. The penalties for light, less grave, and grave offenses are as follows:

A. For light offenses:

1. Reprimand or fine or suspension not exceeding ten days; or

 2. Fine or suspension not exceeding twenty days; or
3. Fine or suspension not exceeding thirty days at the discretion of the
disciplining authority.

B. For less grave offenses:

1. Transfer or demotion in rank or salary of one grade or fine or suspension
not exceeding six months; or

2. Fine not exceeding four (4) months or suspension not exceeding eight (8)
months at the discretion of the disciplining authority.

C. For grave offenses:

1. Transfer or demotion in rank or salary from two to three grades or fine in

an amount equivalent to six (6) months salary; or

2. Suspension for one year; or

3. Dismissal, at the discretion of the disciplining authority.

Section 23. The head of office who fails to act on any complaint properly filed for
sexual harassment after being informed thereof against any employee in that Office shall be
charged with neglect of duty.

Rule XI. PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD

Section 24. Any complaint or action arising from the violation of these Rules
should be filed within three (3) years from the commission of such violation, otherwise, the
same shall be deemed to have prescribed.

Rule XII. EFFECT ON OTHER ISSUANCES

Section 25. Memorandum Circular No. 19, series of 1994 of this Commission shall
be suppletory to these Rules in so far as it is not inconsistent herewith.

Rule XIII. REPEALING CLAUSE

Section 26. Rules and Regulations, other issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent
with the provisions of these Rules are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Rule XIV. AMENDMENT

Section 27. The Civil Service Commission may amend or modify these Rules as
may be necessary.
Rule XV. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE
 Section 28. These Rules and Regulations shall take effect immediately upon
approval by the Commission.

October 10, 1995

(Sgd.) CORAZON ALMA G. DE LEON
Chairman

(Sgd.) RAMON P. EREÑETA, JR. (Sgd.) THELMA P. GAMINDE

Commissioner Commissioner

Attested by:

(Sgd.) CARMENCITA GISELLE B. DAYSON

Board Secretary VI

CLASSIFICATION OF ACTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT INTO GRAVE, LESS

GRAVE OR LIGHT OFFENSE

In consonance with the definition of Section 3, Rule III Section 4, Rule IV and
Section 5, Rule V of the Rules and Regulations of this Commission Implementing R.A.
7877, An Act Declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful in the Employment, Education or
Training Environment, and for other purposes, I propose that the following acts of sexual
harassment be classified into three categories namely, grave or serious, less grave and light
offense, to wit:

Grave Offenses:

(a) unwanted touching of private parts of the body or any other act of malicious
touching;
(b) sexual assault;
(c) any act of sexual harassment mentioned in Section 5(a) and (b), Rule V of the
CSC Implementing Rules and Regulations, committed by a superior officer
or any person having moral ascendancy over the victim

The Less Grave Offenses may include but are not limited to:

(a) requesting for dates to public places or sexual favors in exchange for
employment, promotion, local or foreign travels, favorable working
conditions or assignments or grant of benefits;
(b) pinching not falling under grave offenses;
 (c) unnecessary touching or brushing against a victim's body;
(d) derogatory or degrading remarks or innuendos directed toward members of
one sex or one sexual orientation or used to describe a person; or
(e) verbal abuse or threats

The following may be considered Light Offenses:

(a) persistently telling sexist/smutty jokes causing embarassment or offense, told or

carried out after the joker has been advised that they are offensive or
embarassing or are by their nature clearly embarassing, offensive or vulgar;
(b) leering or ogling which is an unwelcome, suggestive, flirtatious, knowing or
malicious look at another;
(c) voyeurism which is sexual stimulation derived through visual means;
(d) the display of sexually offensive pictures, materials or graffiti;
(e) unwelcome inquiries or comments about a person's sex life;
(f) unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances, propositions;
(g) making offensive hand or body gestures at an employee; or
(h) persistent unwanted contact or attention after the end of a romantic relationship.

The above classification will greatly facilitate imposition of the proper penalty
depending on the gravity and seriousness of the act of sexual harassment.

(Sgd.) EVALYN I. FETALINO

Director IV
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
25 August 1995

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 68

Series of 1992
AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 80
Policy Against Sexual Harassment
WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 80, series of 1991, besides defining and
laying down the policy of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) against
sexual harassment, also attempts to lay down mechanisms that would help deter such acts
or ensure protection of victims of such acts committed by or against employees or officials
of the Department;

WHEREAS, some of the provisions of said Order need to be further strengthened

and clarified;

WHEREAS, the Department recognizes the need to come up with more concrete
measures to ensure and effectuate protection of victims against sexual harassment as such
offense violates the principle of merit and fitness in the civil service, undermines the
integrity of the workplace, creates a hostile working atmosphere and adversely affects
workers’ performance and productivity;

THEREFORE, in the light of the foregoing, Administrative Order No. 80, series of
1991 is hereby amended as follows:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy

In furtherance of the Constitutional provision relative to public office and human

rights, as well as the protection of workers and equality of employment opportunities for
all, the Department of Labor and Employment shall not tolerate sexual harassment
committed by DOLE officials, employees, applicants for employment or any person
transacting official business with DOLE. It shall take disciplinary measures against official
or employee, whether permanent, casual or contractual, who subjects any fellow official or
employee, applicant for employment or client, to sexual harassment.

Section 2. What Constitutes Sexual Harassment

Any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advance, demand or request for sexual favor,
or other act or conduct of sexual nature whether written, oral or physical, shall constitute
sexual harassment when the act is committed by a DOLE official or employee upon his/her
co-official, co-employee, applicant for employment or any other client of the DOLE, and
such act is:

1. committed to take advantage of the weakness, vulnerability, status and

professional, social and economic standing of the official, employee or client; or

2. explicitly or implicitly imposed as a condition for securing employment,

advancement, promotion or preferential treatment; or

3. adversely interfering with the official’s or employee’s performance; or

4. bound to create a hostile, offensive, intimidating or uncomfortable work

environment.

Sexual harassment constitutes a disgraceful and immoral act which is classified and
penalized as a grave offense under the Grounds for Disciplinary Action of the DOLE
Manual on Disposition of Administrative Cases. Such classification and its corresponding
penalties shall be adopted by this Order without prejudice to the filing of other cases
involving the same act with the regular courts.
Section 3. Fact-Finding Committee: Creation and Composition

A Special Fact-Finding Committee is hereby created to receive and investigate/hear

sexual harassment complaints and submit reports/recommendations to the Secretary.

The Committee shall be composed of the following:

1. DOLE Resident Ombudsperson - Chairperson

2. Chairperson, DOLE Philippine

Development Plan for Women (PDPW)
Focal Point - Co-Chairperson

3. Assistant Secretary for Management Services - Member

4. Director, Human Resource Development Service - Member

5. Director, Legal Service - Member

6. President, DOLE or its Concerned Agency

Employees Union
- Ad Hoc Member
7.Resident Ombudsperson of the Agency
Concerned - Ad Hoc Member

Any member of the Committee who complains of or is complained against any act
of sexual harassment shall inhibit himself/herself from participating in the deliberations of
the Committee.
Section 4. Secretariat

The Legal Service shall act as the Secretariat of the Fact-Finding Committee.

Section 5. Procedure in the Disposition of Sexual Harassment Cases

The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations implementing this

Administrative Order.

Section 6. Awareness Raising Campaign/Information Dissemination

Concerned agencies shall undertake information dissemination campaigns to raise

awareness on the policy against sexual harassment and to prevent incidence of the same.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

(Sgd.) MA. NIEVES R. CONFESOR

Acting Secretary

25 March 1992
 GUIDELINES ON THE REQUIRED HEALTH STANDARDS IN BASIC
EDUCATION OFFICES AND SCHOOLS
To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Minister, Basic, Higher and Technical Education, BARMM
Bureau and Service Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division Superintendents
Public and Private Elementary and Secondary School Heads
All Others Concerned

1. The Department of Education (DepEd) is committed to ensure safe educational

continuity amidst the challenges of COVID-19. Learning opportunities must be
provided to give hope and stability, contribute to the normalization of activities in
the country, and facilitate development of our learners and bring normalcy to
their lives.

2. In the provision of learning opportunities, the health and safety of our learners
and teaching and non-teaching personnel are of utmost importance and must
be protected at all times.

3. To ensure the safe return to schools and DepEd offices when allowed by the
Department of Health (DOH), the Inter-Agency Task Force for the
Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), or the Office of the
President, DepEd issues the enclosed Guidelines on the Required Health
Standards in Basic Education Offices and Schools (Enclosure No. 1) for the
guidance of all learners, teachers, and nonteaching personnel nationwide. The
specific measures for COVID-19 mitigation in schools and offices are
detailed in Enclosure No. 2 and Enclosure No. 3, respectively.

4. The guidelines and the specific interventions are primarily based on the DOH
Administrative Order No. 2020-0015 or the Guidelines on the Risk-Based
Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation, cited by the IATF to aid all
sectors in all settings to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions.

5. The DepEd Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division
Offices (SDOs) and all public and private elementary and secondary
schools/community learning centers (CLCs) are mandated to adopt the
guidelines on the required health standards and implement the specific
interventions for COVID-19 mitigation. Other measures may be instituted,
guided by the following principles laid out in the DOH Administrative Order
No. 2020-0015:
a. Shared accountability

i. All efforts shall espouse the government’s strategic directions of

 national government-enabled, local government-led, and people-
centered response to the COVID-19 health event.
b. Evidence-based decision making

i. All policies and decisions shall be guided by evidence

ii. All actors shall periodically assess and recalibrate policies, plans,
programs, and guidelines

c. Socio-economic equity and rights-based approach

i. Vulnerable groups should be identified and provided additional

social safety net protections;
ii. Policy design shall always choose the least restrictive alternative
that achieves its goals; and
iii. In the event of any conflict of rules or guidelines, the
interpretation shall ensure the protection of human rights. As such,
the safety, needs, and well-being of the individual shall prevail.

6. All concerned are directed to:

a. Cooperate with DepEd in carrying out the provisions set forth in these
standards;
b. Report any COVID-19 related concerns to the DepEd Task Force
COVID-19 for Central Office concerns, or to their respective COVID-19
DRRM Teams for Regional, Division, or school-level concerns;
c. Comply with the standards on health and work safety issued by the
Department, and participate in related programs, initiatives, and
activities;
d. Responsibly use and manage all safety, hygiene, and sanitary resources
provided by the agency;
e. Contextualize and adapt implementation processes and procedures
according to the socio-cultural realities and contexts of learners and
their communities; and
f. Support government initiatives for responding to the COVID-19
pandemic.

7. For more information, contact DepEd Task Force COVID-19 through the
Bureau of Learner Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD), 3rd
Floor, Mabini Building, Department of Education Central Office, DepEd
Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City at telephone no. (02) 8-632-9935 or
email at [email protected].

8. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order are directed.
Enclosure No.1to DepEd Order No. , s. 2020

GUIDELINES ON THE REQUIRED HEALTH STANDARDS IN BASIC

EDUCATION OFFICES AND SCHOOLS

I. RATIONALE
1. The united efforts of the country against COVID-19 have been instrumental
in slowing the spread of the virus and the disease. However, its full
containment has not yet been attained. In this time of threat, challenges, and
uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, the Department of Education
(DepEd) is committed to find ways for learning opportunities to be provided,
while ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all learners, teachers, and
personnel.

2. As stipulated in Resolution No. 29 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the

Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), dated April 27, 2020, all
decisions to impose, lift, or extend community quarantine rests with the IATF,
although local authorities may impose enhanced community quarantine upon
the concurrence of their respective regional inter-agency task groups. The
decision to impose, lift, or extend community quarantine should be based on
the parameters identified in IATF Resolution No. 19, which include:

a. Trends in the COVID-19 epidemiological curve, which include, among

others, the doubling time, acceleration, or deceleration of new cases;
b. Capacity of the health care system, which includes, among others, the
number and availability of quarantine, isolation, and treatment
facilities, the capability to mount contact tracing, availability of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to frontliners, and the testing
capacity of the country;
c. Social factors;
d. Economic factors; and
e. Security factors

3. Guided by its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), the

Department of Health (DOH) Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health
Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation (DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-
0015), other applicable guidelines by the DOH and the IATF, and policy directives
by the President, DepEd adopts the Required Health Standards to be followed
in all basic education schools and community learning centers (CLCs), and DepEd
offices, when and to the extent that personnel, teachers, non-teaching personnel,
and learners will already be allowed to physically return to DepEd schools and/or
offices.

II. SCOPE AND COVERAGE

4. The DepEd Required Health Standards for COVID-19 mitigation shall be
 applicable to the DepEd Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Schools
Division Offices (SDOs), and all public and private elementary and secondary
schools/CLCs nationwide, consistent with applicable guidelines from the DOH
and the IATF, the policy directives of the President, and taking into consideration
the socio-cultural context of their respective localities. The specific measures for
COVID-19 mitigation in schools/CLCs and offices are detailed further in
Enclosure No. 2 and Enclosure No. 3, respectively.

III. DEFINITION OF TERMS

5. For the purpose of this Policy, the operational definition of the following terms
are as follows:
a. Isolation - the separation of ill or infected persons from others to prevent
the spread of infection or contamination

b. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) - used to describe a

range of activities that aims to protect/promote psychosocial well-being of
individuals and communities in their affected environment and/or prevent
or treat mental disorder

c. Most-at-risk Population (MARP) - population groups who have a higher

risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection, such as individuals who are
aged 60 and above, pregnant, or have underlying conditions or comorbidity
at risk of COVID-19 exacerbation

d. Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) - protective garments or equipment

worn by individuals to increase personal safety from infectious agents

e. Quarantine - the restriction of movement, or separation from the rest of the

population, of healthy persons who may have been exposed to the virus,
with the objective of monitoring their symptoms and ensuring early
detection of case. This covers self-quarantine or community quarantine in
this policy.

f. Vulnerable Groups - socially disadvantaged groups that are most

susceptible to suffer directly from disasters and health events, including
senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, women, children,
persons deprived of liberty (PDL), persons with disabilities (PDL),
members of indigenous peoples (IPs), internally displaced persons (IDPs),
and indigenous cultural communities (ICCs), among others.

IV. POLICY STATEMENT

6. In accordance with the principles guiding the BE-LCP, the Department
establishes the DepEd Required Health Standards to ensure the protection
of the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel, and
prevent the further transmission of COVID-19.
7. This Policy facilitates the safe return of learners, teachers and personnel to
 schools/CLCs and offices, at the time and to the extent as will be allowed by
the DOH, the IATF, or the President.
8. The policy is informed by relevant official guidelines, complemented by other
credible sources, and balanced by DepEd’s own risk assessments.

V. DEPED REQUIRED HEALTH STANDARDS FRAMEWORK

9. The IATF released its Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community
Quarantine in the Philippines, outlining the rules and guidelines for all
forms of community quarantine that may be applied in the context of the
COVID-19 pandemic. According to these guidelines, all forms of community
quarantine aimed at preventing further transmission of COVID-19 require
adherence to minimum public health standards.

10. In accordance with the DOH Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health
Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation (DOH AO No. 2020-0015) and
consistent with the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP),
the DepEd Required Health Standards framework is mainly composed of
four COVID- 19 Mitigation Objectives:
a. Increase Physical and Mental Resilience
b. Reduce Transmission
c. Reduce Contact
d. Reduce Duration of Infection

11. Additional references consulted in the development of this framework include

the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 1 for a
holistic approach to minimum health standards for adoption by schools; the
United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization–
International Institute for Educational Planning (UNESCO-IIEP) Plan for
School Reopening2 for key factors in guaranteeing the well-being of learners,
teachers, and staff in schools; the Johns Hopkins Public Health Principles
for a Phased Reopening During COVID-19: Guidance for Governors3
breakdown of risks involved in mass gathering, including sports activities and
other events; and UNESCO’s4 framework for reopening schools.

12. The specific measures for the standards are enumerated in Enclosure No. 2
and Enclosure No. 3.

A. Increase Physical and Mental Resilience

13. Guided by the strategies identified in the DOH Guidelines on the Risk-Based
Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation, key interventions in
the DepEd Required Health Standards aim to increase the physical resilience
of learners. Standards include the re-establishment of regular and safe
delivery of essential school-based services, adapted school-based feeding,
continuous promotion of “school-life balance”, and learners’ engagement in
 daily physical activities provided physical distancing is observed. Similarly,
personnel in DepEd offices shall be encouraged to engage in at least 30 minutes
of daily physical activities subject to the strict observance of physical
distancing, and to observe proper hygiene, safety, and other precautionary
measures. Smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages shall be discouraged,
and related bans strictly implemented.
14. The Department likewise places priority on the protection and promotion of
the mental health and general welfare of all learners and personnel.
Interventions to increase mental resilience include discussion/facilitation of
modules related to mental health within the first week of return to school,
operationalization of a guidance office in every school to provide basic
mental health services to learners and personnel, and the establishment of
counseling services through a hotline/platform in SDOs. Likewise, a
hotline/platform for counseling services shall be established at the CO for its
personnel in the CO and ROs. Moreover, interventions for DepEd offices
include provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and
debriefing sessions to personnel, and the promotion of “work-life balance”
through proper scheduling of activities and rotation of workforce.

15. Appropriate support for the essential workforce, vulnerable groups, and
most-at-risk population (MARP) learners and personnel shall be ensured by
this Policy.
B. Reduce Transmission
16. In accordance with DOH AO No. 2020-0015, strategies to reduce
transmission in schools/CLCs and DepEd offices include sustaining
appropriate information and education campaigns on proper handwashing
and respiratory etiquette, ensuring that symptomatic individuals be required
to stay at home and seek medical consultation, institutionalizing routine
cleaning and disinfecting of workstations and touch areas such as toilets, door
knobs, switches at least once every day for workstations, ensuring access to
basic hygiene facilities, and the rational use of personal protective equipment
(PPEs) such as masks.
17. In addition to the standards set in DepEd Order (DO) No. 10, s. 2016, titled
Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and
Hygiene in Schools (WINS) Program, schools/CLCs that will be allowed to
deliver face-to- face learning will be required to conduct orientation on
proper respiratory etiquette for learners, teachers, and personnel.
C. Reduce contact
18. To reduce contact in all schools/CLCs and offices, the DepEd Required
Health Standards directs the implementation of strict physical distancing
of at least 1 meter apart in all common areas.
19. Travel and activities of learners and personnel shall be limited to those most
essential. The conduct of large physical gatherings and other activities where
physical distancing may not be possible will be restricted. Online platforms
for meetings, training, and conferences shall be utilized instead.
 20. In compliance with the IATF Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of
Community Quarantine in the Philippines and the Revised Interim Guidelines for
Alternative Work Arrangements and Support Mechanisms for Workers in the
Government During the Period of State of National Emergency Due to COVID-19
Pandemic (CSC Memorandum Circular No. 10, s. 2020), DepEd has issued its
revised policy on alternative work arrangements to minimize contact in
schools/CLCs and offices, through DO No. 011, s. 2020.

D. Reduce duration of infection

21. In order to reduce the duration of infection of COVID-19, early detection
and isolation of symptomatic individuals must be ensured in all
schools/CLCs and offices.
22. Pursuant to DepEd Memorandum (DM) No. 15, s. 2020 (First Set of Policy
Directives of the DepEd Task Force nCoV), the Preventive Alert System in
Schools (PASS) shall continue its operation to be able to identify possible
cases. Part of the procedure is the daily health inspection to detect symptoms
of infection.
23. Schools/CLCs and DepEd offices shall ensure the establishment/setting-
up/refurbishment of their own clinics for health assessment, provision of
appropriate interventions such as first aid or treatment, and proper
management of symptoms of learners, teachers, personnel, and when
applicable, of visitors. Clinics shall ensure the provision of referral services
and follow up of status of learners, teachers, and personnel in appropriate
health facilities.

VI. DEPED TESTING PROTOCOL

A. Framework
24. Testing is indispensable in a comprehensive set of Required Health
Standards in our schools/CLCs and offices, covering the DepEd family of
learners, teachers, and nonteaching personnel.
25. The DepEd Testing Protocol is defined in terms of who will be tested, and how
testing will proceed. This testing protocol shall not be called “mass testing”
because such term, without being attached to a defined coverage, is prone to
conflicting interpretation by the public and even among those who advocate
it.
26. In the context of DepEd, testing all is not affordable and not feasible
relative to the country’s testing capacity. Instead, the testing protocol of
DepEd shall be risk-based, guided by issuances of the DOH and advisories
issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
27. The DepEd Testing Protocol adheres to the following principles:
a. Testing is an integral part of inter-related health standards and
measures to ensure the health and safety of the learners, teachers and
personnel. Thus, testing shall be combined with:

● Physical distancing at school, workplace, and during travel;

 ● Alternative work arrangements;
● Suspension of face-to-face classes as needed, cancellation of
activities involving congregation of learners and teachers,
and use of blended learning and distance learning modalities;
● Mental health interventions; and
● Detection and isolation whether at home, in a DepEd facility,
or in a health facility through referral.
b. Testing in the Department shall be employed as a diagnostic tool by
qualified medical personnel for medical management, and as part of
detection and contact-tracing efforts to suppress spread within the
DepEd family and immediate community, and where feasible and
available, for clearance of a suspected individual to return to work or
school.
c. It is emphasized that COVID-19 testing of returning personnel and
learners shall not be a condition to their return to offices and
schools/CLCs.
d. The DepEd Testing Protocol will take into account considerations
such as availability of resources, the COVID-19 situation in a
particular locality, and overall public health impact. Thus,
prioritization for testing is inevitable, and will be aligned with
existing DOH Guidelines.
e. DepEd will ensure strong coordination with the health sector and local
government units.
B. Basis
28. Presently, the applicable DOH testing guidelines are Department
Memorandum No. 2020-0180, dated April 16, 2020 (Revised Interim
Guidelines on Expanded Testing) and Department Memorandum No. 2020-
0220, dated May 11, 2020 (Interim Guidelines on the Return-to-Work).
29. The DOH defines “expanded testing” as testing of all individuals who are at
risk of contracting COVID-19 infection, specifically: (1) suspect cases; (2)
individuals with relevant history of travel and exposure (or contact) whether
symptomatic or asymptomatic; and (3) health care workers with possible
exposure, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic.
30. The DOH does not recommend indiscriminate testing beyond close contacts
of a confirmed COVID-19 case. Under DOH Department Memorandum No.
2020-0180, the following subgroups of at-risk individuals are arranged from
greatest to lowest need for testing:
a. Subgroup A: Patients or healthcare workers with severe/critical
symptoms, with relevant history of either travel or contact
b. Subgroup B: Patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, with
either relevant history of travel/contact, and considered vulnerable
c. Subgroup C: Patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, with
either relevant history of travel or contact
d. Subgroup D: Patients or healthcare workers with no symptoms but with
either relevant history of travel or contact
31. Subgroups A and B are prioritized for testing. Subgroup C shall also be tested,
 with healthcare workers prioritized.

32. Based on current available evidence, real-time polymerase chain reaction

(RT-PCR) testing is the confirmatory test. However, Rapid antibody-based test
kits approved by the FDA may also be used under conditions indicated in the
Revised Interim Guidelines on Expanded Testing.
C. Components
Early detection in schools and offices
33. To reduce the duration of infection, early detection and isolation of possible
infected individuals is essential. All learners, teachers, personnel, and other
visitors shall be subjected to temperature checks using a thermal scanner prior
to entering schools/CLCs or offices.
34. Those who will have a temperature reading of 37.5˚ Celsius and above or show
symptoms of COVID-19 shall be provided with a surgical face mask and
brought to a clinic for proper evaluation and management.

Referral Process
35. To assist in early detection and eventual referral of possible COVID-19 cases,
all school heads shall ensure the continued operationalization of the Preventive
Alert System in Schools (PASS) for COVID-19 per DM No. 15, s. 2020. The
PASS involves a systematic reporting of one’s state of health to the appropriate
personnel and/or agencies in the locality.
36. Symptomatic learners, teachers, and personnel shall be evaluated by the
school/office health personnel or referred to the nearest
barangay/municipal/city health center for evaluation or referral to a hospital
if needed.
37. The school/office, through its clinic, shall ensure the provision of referral
services and follow up of learners, teachers, and personnel to the appropriate
health facilities.

Testing and Quarantine

38. Applying DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0180, other relevant
DOH guidelines, and relevant WHO guidance to the context of the DepEd
family, the Department shall assist in facilitating the testing of the following:
a. learners, teachers and personnel who develop symptoms during the
period when face-to-face classes is already being held, or when teachers
and personnel are already reporting physically in school or workplace,
and: (1) who have history of travel to a place (local or foreign) assessed
as having community transmission of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
prior to onset of symptoms; or (2) have history of contact with a
confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to onset
of symptoms.
b. symptomatic assigned healthcare workers and first responders in DepEd
with exposure to (a).
39. Learners, teachers and personnel covered by paragraph 38, while no face-
 to- face classes are being held, or while on pure work from home
arrangement, shall be referred to a health facility for evaluation and medical
intervention, including testing. Similarly, learners, teachers, and personnel
with Influenza Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)
as defined by DOH shall be referred to a health facility for evaluation and
medical intervention, including testing.
40. Upon detection, and prior to testing or referral to a facility, identified
learners, teachers and personnel who fall under the above categories shall be
isolated at home or in a DepEd facility. If no referral happens, the patients
should still remain in isolation for 14 days or until asymptomatic, whichever
is longer.
41. Asymptomatic learners and personnel with relevant history of travel and close
exposure or contact with individuals known to be COVID-19 positive shall
complete 14 days of quarantine from the date of last contact with the
confirmed case, either at home, in a DepEd facility, or in a referral facility.
42. Testing beyond those indicated above, whether using RT-PCR or rapid
antibody-based test kits approved by the FDA shall be on case-by-case basis,
such as when there is an LGU initiative, or resources are made available by
partners, provided: that this shall be done in consultation with a DOH or local
government officer, or upon determination of a properly trained DepEd
physician following appropriate administrative supervision of relevant DepEd
officials. For tests using RT-PCR, results shall be reported to DOH in
accordance with DOH AO No. 2020-0013 and DOH AO No. 2020-0014. For
tests using rapid antibody tests, the results shall be submitted to
[email protected] using the format available on
https://bit.ly/RDTReportingForm.

Contact Tracing
43. Pursuant to DOH Updated Guidelines on Contact Tracing of Close
Contacts of Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Cases (DOH
Department Memorandum No. 2020-0189), contact tracing shall serve as
one of the main public health interventions for COVID-19 response aimed
at interrupting ongoing transmission and reducing the spread of infection.

44. DepEd shall cooperate with the relevant local health authorities, local
government units, or applicable inter-agency groups in the conduct of contact
tracing. The process for contact tracing shall include the following actions:

a. Identify settings where the contacts have visited or social interactions where
the contacts have been exposed;
b. Identify all social, familial, work, and health care worker contacts who
have had contact with a confirmed case from 2 days before symptom
onset of the case (use date of sample collection for asymptomatic cases
as basis) until the time that the said case tests negative on laboratory
confirmation;
 c. Create a line list, including demographic information and geographic
information at barangay and sitio levels, date of first and last exposure or
date of contact with the confirmed or probable case, and, for symptomatic
close contacts, date of onset of fever, respiratory symptoms, or other
significant signs and symptoms; and
d. Thoroughly document the common exposures and type of contact with the
confirmed or probable case for any contact who become infected with
COVID-19.
45. The Department shall conduct its supplemental contact tracing within
the DepEd family to ensure timely interventions as required.

Support Protocols
46. DepEd shall coordinate with PhilHealth on the coverage of applicable
package/s to learners, teachers and personnel, and work out a possible
institutional arrangement with the agency.

47. DepEd shall set aside an amount to subsidize indicated testing for
learners, teachers and personnel, subject to availability of funds and
applicable budget and accounting regulations.

48. The health status of learners, teachers and personnel who tested positive
for COVID-19, and those currently in isolation/quarantine, shall be regularly
monitored by the school/office health personnel, in close coordination with
the SDO/RO/CO health personnel. Learners, teachers, and personnel who
tested positive or are under isolation/quarantine shall secure medical
clearance/certificate from their attending physician before they may return to
school or office.

49. Learners, teachers, and personnel who are confirmed to be COVID-19

positive, under isolation/quarantine, or categorized as suspect and probable
cases shall be provided with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
(MHPSS) facilitated by the school’s guidance office and/or personnel trained
on MHPSS.

50. DepEd shall arrange with the learners and parents/guardians, teachers,
and personnel, the necessary permissions for health-related use and processing
of personal information, consistent with the Data Privacy Act.

VII. SUPPORT MECHANISM FOR THE DEPED REQUIRED HEALTH

STANDARDS

51. To support the implementation of the identified strategies under each COVID-
19 mitigation objective, the DepEd Required Health Standards shall also be
supported by the following mechanisms:
A. Continuation of DepEd Task Force COVID-19

52. The DepEd Task Force COVID-19, created through DM No. 11, s. 2020, shall
continue to lead the overall efforts of the Department in addressing the
challenges of COVID-19 through policy recommendations and strategy
development, monitoring of compliance by all schools/CLCs and DepEd
offices to the DepEd Required Health Standards, DOH guidelines, and
other relevant policy directives in relation to COVID-19, and performance of
other functions and activities as may be necessary to carry out their mandate,
or as the Secretary may direct.

53. The DepEd Task Force COVID-19 may be contacted through the Bureau
of Learner Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD), 3rd
Floor, Mabini Building, Department of Education Central Office, DepEd
Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City at telephone no. (02) 8632-9935 or
email at [email protected].
B. Internal Situation Reports
54. The DepEd Task Force COVID-19 prepares regular internal situation
reports containing updated statistics of infected persons nationally and
within the Department, the latest action/s taken by DepEd in support of
COVID-19 mitigation, and latest relevant issuance/s to keep the
concerned DepEd officers adequately informed during the pandemic.
C. Communications Plan

55. The Department places great emphasis on the importance of maintaining

clear communications, consultation, and coordination with learners,
teachers, personnel, parents, and other education stakeholders in this time
of uncertainty.
56. As such, close coordination with national government media channels
such as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),
DOH, and IATF will be done to ensure the dissemination of truthful and
accurate information to all stakeholders.

57. New media channels across various online platforms, such as social media
and streaming services, shall be strengthened for quick and wide
dissemination of policies and announcements. Environment scanning for
the collection of inputs from stakeholders will also be conducted to help
in informing policy decisions.

58. The Public Affairs Service (PAS) will work closely with the DepEd Task
Force COVID-19, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service
(DRRMS), Quick Response and Recovery Team (QRRT), Bureau of
Learner Support Services- School Health Division (BLSS-SHD), and
other DepEd units in the dissemination of relevant preventive and safety
 information, support, and response in the midst of the COVID-19
pandemic.

VIII. BUDGET AND FINANCE

59. Funding requirements to implement the provisions set forth in this policy
guidelines shall be charged to available funds in the CO, ROs, SDOs, and
schools/CLCs under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and/or other
sources of funds as a result of partnerships with the LGUs, the private
sector, and other non-government organizations. All cost implications
should be ranked according to the priority needs of the offices and schools.
Utilization of funds for this purpose shall be subject to applicable
procurement, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations .

IX. EFFECTIVITY/TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

60. This Policy shall take effect immediately upon publication in the DepEd
website.

X. REFERENCES
Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 10, s. 2020
“Revised Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements”

Department of Education (DepEd) Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan

(BE- LCP) "LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES SHALL BE AVAILABLE:
The Basic Education
Learning Continuity Plan in the Time of COVID-19"

DepEd Memorandum No. 11, s. 2020 “Creation of a Task Force for the
Management of the Department of Education Response to Novel Coronavirus
Acute Respiratory Disease”

DepEd Memorandum No. 15, s. 2020 “First Set of Policy Directives of the
DepEd Task Force on NCOV”

DepEd Memorandum No. 111, s. 2019 “Prohibiting the Use of E-Cigarettes and
other Electronic Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Delivery System and Reiterating the
Absolute Tobacco Smoking Ban in Schools and DepEd Offices”

DepEd Order No. 011, s. 2020 “Revised Guidelines on Alternative Work

Arrangements in the Department of Education during the Period of State of
National Emergency due to COVID-19 Pandemic”

DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2016 “Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WINS) Program”
DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017 “Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and
Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices”
DepEd Order No. 48, s. 2016 “Policy and Guidelines on Comprehensive
Tobacco Control”

DepEd Task Force COVID-19 Memorandum No. 25, s. 2020 “Minimum

Standards on Social Distancing/Baseline Protocols to be Observed in the
Workplace, Travel and Home and Private Space and Time of Deployed
Personnel during the Enhanced Community Quarantine”

DepEd Task Force COVID-19 Memorandum No. 39 “Strict Enforcement of

Tobacco Control Policies, Including Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Policies,
During the Enhanced and General Community Quarantine”

Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2020-0015 "Guidelines on

the Risk-Based Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation"

DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0176 “ Interim Guidelines on the

Rational Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Coronavirus Disease 2019”

DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0180 “Revised Interim Guidelines

on Expanded Testing”

DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0189 “Updated Guidelines on

Contact Tracing of Close Contacts of Confirmed Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19) Cases”

DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0220 “Interim Guidelines on the

Return- to-Work”

Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases “Omnibus

Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines
“

Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 19

Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 29

Republic Act (RA) No. 10173 “Data Privacy Act of 2012”

Republic Act (RA) No. 11223 “Universal Health Care Act”

PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-0009 “Benefit packages for the inpatient care of
probable and confirmed COVID-19 developing severe illness/outcomes”
Enclosure No.2 to DepEd Order No. , s. 2020

SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR COVID-19 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

IN SCHOOLS
I. Routines and Protocols for Health and Safety
A. General Health and Safety Protocols
1. Practice respiratory etiquette and other protective measures.
a. Practice physical distancing (at least 1 meter apart) at all times.

b. Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand

rub/disinfectants or by proper handwashing with soap and water.
Teachers shall allot a specific period among learners for regular
and thorough handwashing with soap and water, subject to the
strict observance of physical distancing.

c. When sneezing/coughing, use tissue or inner portion of elbow to

cover nose and mouth, and be sure that proper distance is
maintained. Do not cover the mouth with the hand.

d. Observe proper use of face masks at all times. Both nose and
mouth must be covered.
i. Those with no symptoms may use cloth/washable face
masks, earloop masks, indigenous, reusable, do-it- yourself
masks, or face shields, handkerchiefs, or such other
protective equipment or any combination thereof, which
can effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19.

ii. Surgical masks—to be stored in the school clinic and

available at the school entrances, shall be reserved for
symptomatic individuals and health care providers.
Individuals who will manifest symptoms shall immediately
be provided with a surgical mask and brought to
the school clinic for
checking/monitoring/advice; e.g., send home, refer to a
hospital/appropriate health authority, etc.
e. Practice proper disposal of tissue and masks after use.
2. All learners, teachers and personnel, on the first day of their reporting to
school, shall be provided with an initial orientation on the respiratory
etiquette and other protective measures. It shall be reiterated that the
same measures are expected to be practiced in other public places,
including when they travel to and from the school, and even at home
should risk factors exist.

3. The school shall ensure that each learner, teacher, and personnel has
access to the following upon return to school:
 a. Cloth/washable face masks, earloop masks, indigenous,
reusable, do-it-yourself masks, or face shields, handkerchiefs, or
such other protective equipment or any combination thereof,
which can effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19

b. 1 toothbrush and 1 toothpaste (K-6 learners)

c. 1 bar of soap (K-6 learners)

4. The school shall ensure availability of hand soaps/hand-
sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants in restrooms,
classrooms, entrances, etc. by doing routine monitoring and
replacement/replenishment if needed.

5. The school shall ensure routine cleaning/disinfection of frequently

touched surfaces and objects (tables, doorknobs, desks, and school
items) using bleach solution at least twice a day, preferably before the
start of scheduled physical classes (e.g., once in the morning, once in
the afternoon), as well as the routine cleaning and the replacement of
disinfectant solutions in foot baths. More intensive cleaning and
disinfection shall be done on weekends.
B. Detection and Referral

1. All learners, teachers, personnel, and when applicable, visitors, shall

be subjected to temperature checks using a thermal scanner prior to
entering the school. Those who will have a reading of 37.5˚ Celsius or
above shall be provided with a surgical face mask and brought to a
private screening area that shall be set up near the entrance of the
school where the concerned teacher, personnel, learner, or visitor can
be further examined, for appropriate management, intervention, or
referral.

2. Entrance to the school of visitors and other external stakeholders shall

be discouraged. Non-face-to-face communications and coordination
through available platforms (e.g., telephone, cellular network, the
internet) shall be prioritized.

3. Teachers shall conduct daily rapid health check in the classroom.

Those who will show symptoms of COVID-19 shall be given a surgical
face mask and further assessed in the school clinic.
C. School Activities and Events
1. The school shall implement adjustments of schedule of classes and
activities to allow for physical distancing in the classroom.

2. The school shall restrict conduct of physical or face-to-face large

gatherings and activities that will require close contact or where
physical distancing may not be possible (e.g., school activities, field
 trips, sports festivals, and flag ceremony, etc.)

3. The school shall provide and maximize the use of online platforms
which do not require physical interactions or congregations for the
performance of tasks, including learning delivery, training, and
conferences.

4. Travel of learners, teachers and personnel shall be limited only to the

most critical or essential as determined by the Secretary or her
designated officers.
5. Teachers shall devise and implement alternative means of recording and
monitoring attendance
D. School Clinic and Health Services
1. The school, with the support of concerned DepEd offices, shall
ensure the establishment/setting-up/refurbishment of a school clinic
to provide basic health services to learners, teachers and personnel,
and when applicable, for visitors, such as:

a. Health assessment and physical examination, as needed,

b. Appropriate intervention, first aid, or treatment,
c. Proper management of symptoms, including rest at home
d. Referral and follow-up of learners, teachers and personnel to
appropriate health facilities

2. Aside from the school clinic, the school shall also designate:
a. a private screening area near the entrance of the school where
teachers, personnel, learners, and visitors who show
symptoms upon screening at the entrance can be further
examined, for appropriate management, intervention, or
referral, and

b. a separate space where sick learners, teachers and personnel who

have been managed in the clinic can temporarily stay, awaiting
referral to the appropriate health facility, without creating stigma.
3. In the absence of school health personnel, the school shall designate (a)
clinic teacher(s) who shall manage the clinic every school day, to
provide basic health services and facilitate referral as needed, in close
coordination with the school health personnel at the SDO. Clinic
teachers shall be provided prior orientation by the school health
personnel at the SDO for proper guidance on how to effectively run
the school clinic.

4. The school shall ensure that learners, teachers, and personnel who
manifest COVID-19 symptoms shall not physically report to school
and shall seek medical advice—virtual, if possible—as needed.
5. The school shall cooperate with the local health authorities in the
tracing and quarantine of close contacts of confirmed cases of
COVID-19, consistent with DOH guidelines.

6. The school shall ensure that learners and personnel who have tested
positive for COVID-19 shall not return to school, even if they are
already asymptomatic, unless cleared by medical authorities.

7. The school clinic shall ensure the availability of Emergency Health

Kits that include PPEs and other needed supplies and materials. The
PPEs should be available for COVID-19 DRRM team members,
health personnel, maintenance, and security guards. The use of PPEs
should be guided by the DOH Interim Guidelines on the Rational Use
of Personal Protective Equipment for COVID-19-04-02 as
summarized in the tables below:

a. PPE requirement depending on the nature of the activity:

Activity Required PPE

Triage and screening of Medical mask
individuals in points of entry (for
personnel in school entrances)
Caring for a suspected case of Medical mask,
COVID-19 with no aerosol- goggles or face
generating procedure (for shield, gloves,
personnel in school clinics) gown
Caring for suspected/confirmed Goggles or face
cases of COVID-19 with aerosol- shield, respirator
generating procedure (for (N95 or FFP2),
personnel in school clinics) gloves, gown
Assisting in transporting Full PPE
passengers to a healthcare facility
b. echnical specifications of PPE

Item Technical Specifications

Medical Medical or surgical mask, disposable,
mask earloop, 3-ply, conforms to EN 14683
rating type standards or equivalent
Goggles Goggles or laboratory safety goggles,
polycarbonate lens, soft, flexible,
adjustable head strap, anti-fog, conforms
to EN 166 standard or equivalent

Face Full face shield, anti-fog, latex-free, one-

shield size fits all, soft head foam, comfort stretch
band, disposable, conforms to EN 166
standard or equivalent
 Gown Examination gown, disposable, non-
sterile, SMS/PE coated polyethylene
material, fluid-resistant, solid-front and
rear opening, long sleeved with elastic
cuffs, conforms to ASTM F1671 standards or
equivalent

E. DepEd Health and Safety Policies

1. The school shall ensure the operationalization of the Preventive Alert
System in Schools (PASS) for COVID-19 per DepEd Memorandum No.
15, s. 2020.

2. The school shall strengthen the implementation of DepEd Task Force

COVID-19 Memorandum No. 25, s. 2020, or the Minimum Standards on
Social Distancing.

3. The school shall develop its School Contingency and Response Plan for
COVID-19.

4. To ensure the effective adoption of the proper hand and respiratory

hygiene and other safety precautions, the school shall strengthen the
implementation of DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2016, or the Policy and
Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
(WASH) in Schools (WinS) Program.

5. To ensure the availability of nutritious foods in schools and support the

promotion of ensuring a strong immune system among learners and
personnel to fight COVID-19, the school shall strictly enforce DepEd
Order No. 13, s. 2017 or Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and
Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices, as well as provide
nutrition education and post nutrition education and information
materials; e.g., Pinggang Pinoy, Food Pyramid and Cycle Menu.

6. In line with studies that link COVID-19 and smoking, the school shall
strictly enforce the ban on smoking/vaping per DepEd Order No. 48, s.
2016, or the Policy and Guidelines on Comprehensive Tobacco Control
and DepEd Memorandum No. 111, s. 2019 entitled Prohibiting the Use of
E-Cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Delivery
System and Reiterating the Absolute Tobacco Smoking Ban in Schools
and DepEd Offices. Brief Tobacco Intervention Providers at the SDO may
be tapped to help learners and personnel who smoke to quit. The DOH
Quitline can also be reached through
https://www.facebook.com/DOHQuitlineofficial/. The schools are
enjoined to communicate with local government units (LGUs) to pass an
ordinance/implement the existing law that prohibits the sale of tobacco
products to minors or within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of
the school, or implement stricter measures, if possible, as reiterated in
 DepEd Task Force COVID-19 Memorandum No. 39, entitled Strict
Enforcement of Tobacco Control Policies, Including Smoke-Free and
Vape-Free Policies, During the Enhanced and General Community
Quarantine. Schools are also warned against partnerships with tobacco
companies and NGOs and foundations funded by tobacco companies.

II. Physical Arrangement in Schools

A. All classrooms must meet the following standards:
1. Proper ventilation (open windows are preferred over air- conditioning systems)

2. Adherence to the attached classroom layout (Enclosure No. 4), specifying

the physical designs of chairs and classroom arrangements that ensure
proper physical distancing
B. The school shall establish and maintain proper sanitation and hygiene facilities:

1. Foot baths in all entrances

2. Toilets (with adequate water and soap)

3. Handwashing stations

C. The school shall create and operate a common area where physical distancing
and appropriate prevention measures can be strictly enforced for
accommodating visitors and/or clients.

D. The school shall ensure that the following are sufficiently provided in its
premises:

1. Tissue paper/towel

2. Designated trash bins for tissue disposal

3. Adequate water and soap for handwashing (especially for all toilet facilities)

4. Hand-sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants in all rooms,

entrances, corridors, communal areas, and other amenities especially eating
areas
E. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials containing the
key messages on health and safety shall be displayed in key strategic areas of
the school, such as the school entrances, corridors, toilets, and other
communal areas, or if practicable, distributed to the learners or personnel for
their ready reference. The same IEC materials shall be shown or provided to
visitors who need to enter the school premises.

F. The school shall ensure that a Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) is set up for
proper waste segregation.
III. Support Mechanisms

A. Physical and Mental Resilience

1. The first five school days that the learners are physically
present in school shall be devoted to discussion/facilitation of
modules related to mental health, facilitated by their respective
classroom advisers or designated teachers. Before the opening
of the school year, classroom advisers or designated teachers
are expected to take the training on how to facilitate the
modules, which cover the following mental health topics, in
addition to modules on the nature of COVID-19 and
preventive measures (WASH, physical distancing, etc.):

a. Validating and Normalizing Feelings

b. Calming Down and Controlling One’s Emotions

c. Identifying and Addressing Needs

d. Sources of Strength

e. Other relevant topics as needed

2. The school shall maintain/set-up a guidance office that will

remain operational for the entire school year.

a. The school shall ensure that the guidance office is

staffed by a registered guidance counselor (RGC) or a
designated guidance associate (not an RGC but is
trained on MHPSS and is capable of effective referral)
every school day, to provide basic mental health
services to learners, teachers and personnel who may
need such services.

b. The Schools Division Office (SDO) shall set up a

hotline/online platform to provide counseling services to
learners, teachers and personnel who require counseling
services. In the absence of an RGC, learners, teachers and
school-based personnel shall be referred to this platform
for counseling services.
3. The school, through its guidance office, shall ensure the
provision of specialized psychosocial support to learners,
teachers and personnel who are confirmed to be positive, under
isolation/quarantine, and categorized as suspect and probable.
The most appropriate method, which duly considers the safety of
the MHPSS provider, shall be employed (e.g. provision through
the internet or hotlines).
 4. The school shall engage parents, guardians, or any care providers
of learners on taking care of mental health and creating a positive
environment.

5. The school shall ensure strict adherence to Republic Act No. 10173
or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in the provision of mental health
services and referral.

6. The school shall promote “school-life balance” through proper

scheduling of schoolwork that will allow learners to enjoy quality
time at home.

7. The DepEd Task Force COVID-19, in collaboration with the

Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development
(BHROD), the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD), the
Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD), National Educators'
Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), and Youth Formation
Division (YFD), shall issue guidelines on the mental health
program and psychological support system for learners and
personnel across all governance levels in DepEd.

8. The school shall continue to engage learners in at least 60 minutes

of daily physical activities consisting of any one or a combination
of activities based on the 2010 Physical Activity Prescription,
Philippine National Guidelines in Physical Activity—namely, (a)
active daily tasks; (b) exercise, dance, and sports; (c) high impact
play (unstructured spontaneous play); and (d) muscle
strengthening and flexibility activities—subject to the strict
observance of physical distancing, proper hygiene and safety, and
other precautionary measures.

B. Administrative Support

1. The school, with the support of concerned DepEd offices, shall

ensure that teaching and non-teaching personnel undergo annual
physical examination, in accordance with the provisions of RA
11223 or the Universal Health Care Act and its Implementing Rules
and Regulations. The conduct of the physical examination shall
be in accordance with precautionary and protective measures in
light of the COVID-19 health emergency.

2. The school, with the support of concerned DepEd offices, shall

re-establish the regular and safe delivery of essential services,
including, but not limited to:
 a. protection referrals

b. specialized services for children with disabilities

c. school health and nutrition services such as medical
and dental services, school feeding, immunization
program, counseling, and brief tobacco interventions

3. Guidelines for the delivery of such services shall be issued by the

Bureau of Learner Support Services – School Health Division
(BLSS-SHD).

4. The school shall prioritize to provide alternative arrangements to

learners, teachers and personnel who are elderly, who have
underlying health conditions, or who are pregnant in the duration
of the COVID-19 event. If alternative arrangements are not
possible, designated areas must be available to high-risk groups.

5. The school shall explore partnerships to assist learners, teachers

and personnel especially those belonging in vulnerable groups
through initiatives including but not limited to transportation,
provision of PPEs and social amelioration. The school shall
reiterate policies that will help reduce expenses of families (e.g.,
non-mandatory use of school uniforms; no collection policy).

6. The school shall ensure that personnel on work from home

arrangement are provided with logistical support, and that
reasonable expenses incurred are covered in accordance with
CSC Memorandum Circular 10, s. 2020 and with the DepEd
revised guidelines on implementing alternative work
arrangements to minimize contact in offices and schools.

7. The school, with the support of concerned DepEd offices, shall

ensure the provision of the following:

a. Temporary accommodations to learners, teachers and

personnel, if necessary (e.g., for personnel requiring
daily/long travel/commute; visiting health personnel who
will need to provide services for an entire week, etc.)

b. Financial, transportation, internet/communication

allowance, food, and other commodities (e.g. medical
and dental supplies and supplements) for essential
workforce, if necessary and practicable, may be
considered as allowable expenses. The provision of
transportation shall be subject to standards of physical
distancing, disinfection, and observance of other health
protocols measures.
 c. Assistance to learners, teachers and personnel who
contract the virus in coordination with PhilHealth to avail
of the case-based payment of the benefits of patient with
probable or confirmed COVID-19 under the PhilHealth
Circular No. 2020-0009 and other relevant government
health institutions.

IV. Screening of Returning Personnel and Learners and Testing Protocol

A. Screening of Returning Personnel and Learners

1. All returning personnel and learners physically reporting to the school

shall be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough,
colds, and other respiratory symptoms, and/or relevant history of travel
or exposure within the last 14 days. The following should have
happened two (2) days before or within 14 days from onset of
symptoms of a confirmed or probable case:
1. Face-to-face contact with a confirmed or probable case within
1 meter and for more than 15 minutes
2. Direct physical contact with a confirmed case
3. Direct care for a patient with a probable or confirmed COVID-
19 disease without using proper personal protective
equipment
2. Returning personnel and learners who are symptomatic with
relevant history of travel/exposure on the date of reporting to the
school shall not be allowed to physically report to the school and must
consult with their primary care provider. The use of telemedicine is
encouraged for proper care and coordination.
3. Returning personnel and learners who were symptomatic with
relevant history of travel/exposure within the last fourteen
(14) days prior to the date of reporting to the school shall
present the Certificate of Quarantine Completion duly issued by
the step-down care facility or local health office, whichever is
applicable based on the latest DOH guidelines.

4. If asymptomatic within the last fourteen (14) days prior to the date
of physically reporting to school, personnel and learners without
relevant history of travel or exposure can be allowed to physically
return to the school.
5. If asymptomatic within the last fourteen (14) days prior to the date of
physically reporting to school, personnel and learners with relevant
history of travel or exposure can be cleared to physically return to
 the school only upon presentation of a medical certificate issued by
local health authorities such as DepEd school health personnel or the
provincial, city, or municipal health office.
6. If symptomatic within the last fourteen (14) days prior to the
physically reporting to school, personnel and learners without
relevant history of travel or exposure shall seek medical advice for
proper treatment/intervention and the issuance of the necessary
medical certificate prior to reporting back to the school.
b. The testing protocol shall be as provided in Enclosure No. 1.
 Enclosure No. 3 to DepEd Order No. , s. 2020

SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR COVID-19 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

IN OFFICES

I. Routines and Protocols for Health and Safety

A. General Health and Safety Protocols

1. Practice respiratory etiquette and other protective measures.

a. Practice physical distancing (at least 1 meter apart) at

all times.

b. Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand

rub/disinfectants or by proper handwashing with soap
and water.

c. When sneezing/coughing, use tissue or inner portion of

elbow to cover nose and mouth, and be sure that proper
distance is maintained. Do not cover the mouth with
the hand.

d. Observe proper use of face masks at all times. Both

nose and mouth must be covered.

i. Those with no symptoms may use

cloth/washable face masks, earloop masks,
indigenous, reusable, do-it- yourself masks, or face
shields, handkerchiefs, or such other protective
equipment or any combination thereof, which can
effectively lessen the transmission of COVID- 19.

ii. Surgical masks—to be stored in the office clinic

and available at the office entrances, shall be
reserved for symptomatic individuals and health
care providers. Individuals who will manifest
symptoms shall immediately be provided with a
surgical mask and brought to the clinic for
checking/monitoring/advice; e.g., send home, refer
to a hospital/appropriate health authority, etc.

e. Practice proper disposal of tissue and masks after use.

2. Prior to returning to work, all personnel shall be provided,

through available platforms (e.g., e-mail, text messaging,
 teleconferencing platform), relevant and adequate information
on respiratory etiquette and other protective measures that
shall be observed in the workplace. It shall be reiterated that the
same measures are expected to be practiced in other public
places, including when they travel to and from work, and if
applicable, even at home.
3. The office shall ensure that all personnel have access to
cloth/washable face masks, earloop masks, indigenous,
reusable, do-it-yourself masks, or face shields, handkerchiefs,
or such other protective equipment or any combination
thereof, which can effectively lessen the transmission of
COVID-19.

4. The office shall ensure availability of hand soaps/hand-

sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants in
restrooms, entrances, etc. by doing routine monitoring and
replacement/replenishment if needed.

5. The office shall ensure routine cleaning/disinfection of

frequently touched surfaces and objects (tables, doorknobs,
desks, workstations) using bleach solution at least twice a day,
as well as the routine cleaning and the replacement of
disinfectant solutions in foot baths. More intensive cleaning
and disinfection shall be done on weekends.

B. Detection and Referral

1. All personnel and, when applicable, visitors shall be subjected

to temperature checks using a thermal scanner prior to
entering the office. Those who will have a reading of 37.5˚
Celsius or above shall be provided with a surgical face mask
and brought to a private screening area that shall be set up
near the entrance of the office where the concerned personnel
or visitor can be further examined, for appropriate
management, intervention, or referral.

2. The office, through its clinic, shall:

a. Monitor all personnel for possible manifestation of

COVID- 19-symptoms. Those who will show
symptoms of COVID-19 shall be given a surgical mask
and assessed and managed in the clinic.

b. Ensure the provision of referral services to appropriate

health facilities and monitoring of referred personnel
 c. Ensure that personnel who manifest COVID-19
symptoms shall not physically report to work and shall
seek medical advice—virtual, if possible—as needed.

d. Facilitate/cooperate in the tracing and quarantine of close

contacts of confirmed cases of COVID-19 consistent
with DOH guidelines.

e. Ensure that personnel who have tested positive for

COVID-
19 shall not return to work, even if they are
already asymptomatic, unless cleared by medical
authorities.

3. All personnel shall report to their immediate supervisors if they

are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
C. Office Activities and Events

1. The office shall ensure that the scheduling of office-based work

of personnel and their assignment to their respective
workstations shall allow for physical distancing in the office
premises.

2. The office shall limit face-to-face meetings and restrict conduct

of physical or face-to-face large gatherings and activities that
will require close contact or where physical distancing may not
be possible.

3. The office shall provide and maximize the use of online

platforms which do not require physical interaction or
congregations for the performance of tasks and conduct of
meetings, trainings, and conferences.

4. Travel of personnel shall be limited only to necessary and critical

situations or essential official functions determined by the
Secretary or her designated officers.

5. The office shall devise and implement alternative means of

recording and monitoring attendance.

6. The office shall set a flexible dining policy in the

workspace/cubicle during lunch breaks, to include limiting
the number of individuals who eat in the pantry at a given
time.
 D. DepEd Health and Safety Policies

1. The office shall strengthen the implementation of DepEd Task

Force COVID-19 Memorandum No. 25, s. 2020, or the
Minimum Standards on Social Distancing.

2. The office shall develop its Contingency and Response Plan

for COVID-19.

3. To ensure the availability of nutritious foods in the office and

support the promotion of ensuring a strong immune system
among personnel to fight COVID-19, the office shall strictly
enforce DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017 or Policy and Guidelines
on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and in
DepEd Offices, as well as provide nutrition education and
post nutrition education and information materials; e.g.,
Pinggang Pinoy, Food Pyramid and Cycle Menu.

4. In line with studies that link COVID-19 and smoking, the

office shall strictly enforce the ban on smoking/vaping per
DepEd Order No. 48, s. 2016, or the Policy and Guidelines on
Comprehensive Tobacco Control and DepEd Memorandum
No. 111, s. 2019 entitled Prohibiting the Use of E-Cigarettes
and other Electronic Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Delivery
System and Reiterating the Absolute Tobacco Smoking Ban
in Schools and DepEd Offices. Brief Tobacco Intervention
Providers at the SDO may be tapped to help personnel who
smoke to quit. The DOH Quitline can also be reached through
https://www.facebook.com/DOHQuitlineofficial/. Offices
are also enjoined to communicate with local government units
(LGUs) to pass an ordinance/implement the existing law that
prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors or within 100
meters from any point of the perimeter of schools, or
implement stricter measures, if possible, as reiterated in
DepEd Task Force COVID-19 Memorandum No. 39, entitled
Strict Enforcement of Tobacco Control Policies, Including
Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Policies, During the Enhanced
and General Community Quarantine. Offices are also warned
against partnerships with tobacco companies and NGOs and
foundations funded by tobacco companies.

II. Physical Arrangement in Offices

A. The office shall ensure proper ventilation and install temporary
barriers between cubicles/tables for proper physical distancing.
B. The office shall establish and maintain proper sanitation and hygiene
facilities:

1. Foot baths in all entrances

2. Toilets (with adequate water and soap)

3. Handwashing stations

C. The office shall create and operate a common area where physical
distancing and appropriate prevention measures can be strictly
enforced for accommodating visitors and/or clients.

D. The office shall ensure that the following are sufficiently provided,
monitored, and replenished when needed:

1. Tissue paper/towel

2. Designated trash bins for tissue disposal

3. Adequate water and soap for handwashing (especially for all

toilet facilities)

4. Hand-sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants in

all rooms, entrances, corridors, communal areas, and other
amenities especially eating areas

E. The office shall ensure the establishment/setting-up/refurbishment

of its own clinic for the health assessment and physical examination,
as needed, and the provision of appropriate intervention, first aid, or
treatment, or the proper management of symptoms, including the
necessary rest at home, for personnel, and when applicable, for
visitors. In certain days when an office may not have a reporting
health personnel (such as the case of Regional Offices that have a
limited number of health personnel), the office shall ensure that it has
access to existing telemedicine platforms or local emergency
hotlines.
F. Aside from the clinic, the office shall also designate:

a. a private screening area near the entrance of the office where

personnel and visitors who show symptoms upon screening at
the entrance can be further examined, for appropriate
management, intervention, or referral, and

b. a separate space where sick personnel who have been managed

in the clinic can temporarily stay, awaiting referral to the
appropriate health facility, without creating stigma.
 G. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials
containing key messages on health and safety shall be displayed in
key strategic areas of the office, such as the entrances, corridors,
toilets, and other communal areas, or if practicable, distributed to the
personnel for their ready reference. The same IEC materials shall be
shown or provided to visitors who need to enter the office premises.

H. The office shall ensure that a Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) is

set up for proper waste segregation.

I. The office shall ensure the availability of ICT infrastructure and

facilities to support online learning, conferences, and meetings.

III. Support Mechanisms

A. Physical and Mental Resilience

1. Offices shall ensure the provision of mental health and

psychosocial support (MHPSS) to all personnel, which
includes the following:

a. Validating and Normalizing Feelings

b. Calming Down and Controlling One’s Emotions

c. Linking: Identifying and Addressing Needs and

Sources of Strength

d. Managing Physical Reactions, Thoughts, and

Emotions

e. Seeking Solutions and Social Support

f. Focusing on Positive Activities

g. Other relevant topics as needed

2. Practical tips based on the listed MHPSS topics shall be

communicated through available platforms (e.g., phone call,
text messaging, email, orientation via online conferencing
platform, etc.) to personnel who have worked from home or
stayed on quarantine prior to their return to work to help them
transition effectively to physically reporting in the office.
3. Psychological first aid to all personnel shall be provided to gauge
their readiness to fulfill their work and provide support needed
to ease their transition.
 4. The Regional Office (RO) shall set up a hotline/online platform
for COVID-19 related inquiries (e.g. basic information on
COVID-19, details on DepEd response, grievance of personnel
or learners, and other information that shall help DepEd
learners and personnel cope with the pandemic) from RO
personnel. The hotline/online platform shall be manned by a
pool of trained PFA-providers under the supervision of the
Regional DRRM Coordinator.

5. The RO shall provide technical assistance to their respective

School Division Offices (SDOs), who shall in turn set-up similar
hotlines/online platforms. These shall be manned by a pool of
trained PFA-providers under the supervision of the Division
DRRM Coordinator, and shall cater to SDO and school
personnel.

6. A similar hotline shall be set up at the Central Office (CO) for

CO personnel, and shall be manned by PFA-trained personnel
supervised by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Service (DRRMS).

7. A referral system established by the concerned office (i.e. CO

for CO personnel; RO for RO personnel; and SDO for SDO
and school personnel) shall be followed in referring personnel
needing specialized psychosocial support.

8. The office shall ensure the provision of specialized

psychosocial support to personnel who are confirmed to be
positive, under isolation/quarantine, and categorized as
suspect and probable. The most appropriate method, which
duly considers the safety of the MHPSS provider, shall be
employed (e.g. provision through the internet or hotlines).

9. The office shall ensure strict adherence to Republic Act No.

10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in the provision of mental
health services and referral.

10. The office shall promote “work-life balance” through proper

scheduling of activities and rotation of workforce.

11. The DepEd Task Force COVID-19, in collaboration with the

Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development
(BHROD), the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD),
the Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD), National Educators'
Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), and Youth Formation
Division (YFD), shall issue guidelines on the mental health
program and psychological support system for learners and
personnel across all governance levels in DepEd.
 12. The office shall encourage adults to engage in at least 30
minutes of daily physical activities consisting of any one or a
combination of activities based on the 2010 Physical Activity
Prescription, Philippine National Guidelines in Physical
Activity—namely, (a) activities for daily living; (b) exercise,
dance, and recreational activities; (c) muscle strengthening and
flexibility activities; (d) activities in the workplace such as, but
not limited to walking, stair climbing, arranging office
furniture—subject to the strict observance of physical
distancing, proper hygiene and safety, and other precautionary
measures.
13. The following are the strategies for the implementation of
daily physical activities:
a. Provision of opportunities for physical activities (e.g.,
zumba, fitness workout, exercise, yoga, dance, etc.)
b. Provision of basic sports supplies and equipment for
fitness activities such as medicine ball, free weights, balls,
hoops, etc.
c. Encourage 2-minute physical activities for every two-hour
sitting periods

B. Administrative Support

1. The office shall ensure that all personnel undergo an annual

physical examination, in accordance with the provisions of
RA 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations. The conduct of the
physical examination shall be in accordance with
precautionary and protective measures in light of the COVID-
19 health emergency.

2. The office, especially if in a locality under a community

quarantine, shall ensure the provision of necessary assistance
to personnel required to physically report to work or staff
performing critical/essential official functions (e.g., COVID-
19 DRRM Team members, engineers conducting regular
monitoring and validation activities, etc.), such as travel
passes for use in checkpoints and access to hotlines for
inquiries, among others.

3. The office shall ensure the provision of financial,

transportation, internet/communication allowance, food, and
other commodities (e.g. medical and dental supplies and
supplements) for essential workforce, if necessary and
practicable, subject to usual accounting and auditing rules. In
 the provision of transportation, the office shall ensure
compliance to standards of physical distancing, disinfection,
and observance of other health protocols measures.

4. For offices in localities that are under a community quarantine,

the set limited working hours shall be properly observed (e.g.,
not beyond 4pm) as part of community quarantine, except for
those involved in COVID-19 monitoring and emergency/quick
response that may require 24/7 duty.

5. The office shall prioritize to provide alternative arrangements

to personnel who are elderly, who have underlying health
conditions, or who are pregnant in the duration of the COVID-
19 event. If alternative arrangements are not possible,
designated areas must be available to high-risk groups.
6. The office shall explore partnerships to assist personnel
especially those belonging in vulnerable groups through
initiatives including but not limited to transportation,
provision of PPEs and social amelioration.

7. The office shall ensure that personnel on work from home

arrangement are provided with logistical support, and that
reasonable expenses incurred are covered in accordance with
CSC Memorandum Circular 10, s. 2020 and the DepEd
revised guidelines on alternative work arrangements.

8. The office shall ensure that personnel involved in COVID-19

monitoring and response, if any, are provided with
appropriate compensation and benefits (e.g. hazard pay,
overtime pay, if applicable).

9. The office shall ensure the following:

a. Provision of temporary accommodations to personnel, if

necessary (e.g., for personnel requiring daily/long
travel/commute).

b. Assistance in the provision temporary shelter for

probable, suspected, and confirmed cases among
personnel, as practicable.

c. Availability of Emergency Health Kits that include PPEs

and other needed supplies and materials. The PPEs should
be available for COVID-19 DRRM team members, health
personnel, maintenance, and security guards during
emergency. The use of PPEs should be guided by the
DOH Interim Guidelines on the Rational Use of Personal
 Protective Equipment for COVID-19 as summarized in
the tables below:

i. PPE requirement depending on the nature of the

activity:

Activity Required PPE

Triage and screening of Medical mask
individuals in points of entry (for
personnel in school
entrances)
Caring for a suspected case of Medical mask,
COVID-19 with no aerosol- goggles or face
generating procedure (for shield, gloves,
personnel in school clinics) gown
Caring for Goggles or face
suspected/confirmed cases of shield, respirator
COVID-19 with aerosol- (N95 or FFP2),
generating procedure (for gloves, gown
personnel in school clinics)
Assisting in transporting Full PPE
passenger to a healthcare
facility

i. Technical specifications of PPE

Item Technical Specifications

Medical Medical or surgical mask, disposable,
mask earloop, 3-ply, conforms to EN 14683
rating type standards or equivalent
Goggles Goggles or laboratory safety goggles,
polycarbonate lens, soft, flexible,
adjustable head strap, anti-fog,
conforms to EN 166 standard or
equivalent
Face Full face shield, anti-fog, latex-free,
shield one-size fits all, soft head foam, comfort
stretch band, disposable, conforms to
EN 166 standard or equivalent
Gown Examination gown, disposable, non-
sterile, SMS/PE coated polyethylene
material, fluid-resistant, solid-front
and rear opening, long sleeved with
elastic cuffs, conforms to ASTM F1671
standards or equivalent

d. Provision of assistance to personnel who contract the

virus in coordination with PhilHealth to avail of the case-
 based payment of the benefits of patients with probable or
confirmed COVID-19 under the PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-
0009 and other relevant government health institutions.

IV. Screening of Returning Personnel and Testing Protocol

A. Screening of Returning Personnel

1. All returning personnel physically reporting to work shall be

screened for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough,
colds, and other respiratory symptoms, and/or relevant history
of travel or exposure within the last 14 days. The following
should have happened two (2) days before or within 14 days
from onset of symptoms of a confirmed or probable case:

a. Face-to-face contact with a confirmed or probable case

within 1 meter and for more than 15 minutes

b. Direct physical contact with a confirmed case

c. Direct care for a patient with a probable or confirmed

COVID-
19 disease without using proper personal
protective equipment

2. Returning personnel who are symptomatic with relevant

history of travel/exposure on the date of work resumption
shall not be allowed to physically report to work and must
consult with their primary care provider. The use of telemedicine
is encouraged for proper care and coordination.
3. Returning personnel who were symptomatic with relevant
history of travel/exposure within the last fourteen (14) days
prior to the date work resumption shall present the Certificate
of Quarantine Completion duly issued by the step-down care
facility or local health office, whichever is applicable based
on the latest DOH guidelines.

4. If asymptomatic within the last fourteen (14) days prior to the

date of work resumption, personnel without relevant history
of travel or exposure can be allowed to physically return to
work.

5. If asymptomatic within the last fourteen (14) days prior to the

date of work resumption, personnel with relevant history of
travel or exposure can be cleared to physically return to work
only upon presentation of a medical certificate issued by local
 health authorities such as DepEd school health personnel or
the provincial, city, or municipal health office.

6. If symptomatic within the last fourteen (14) days prior to the

date of work resumption, personnel without relevant history
of travel or exposure shall seek medical advice for proper
treatment/intervention and the issuance of the necessary medical
certificate prior to reporting back to work.

B. The testing protocol shall be as provided in Enclosure No. 1.

Enclosure No. 5 to DepEd Order No. , s. 2020)

This new arrangement uses existing school furniture as physical barriers

between learners to better implement social distancing measures, and
does not require moving the furniture.