DepEd-Davao Region Clarifies Four-Day Onsite Work Schedule Excludes Teaching Personnel
The Department of Education–Davao Region (DepEd-Davao) has issued a clarification regarding the implementation of a four-day onsite work schedule, emphasizing that this arrangement applies exclusively to non-teaching and related-teaching personnel. In a social media post dated March 11, 2026, the department stated that teaching staff must continue to adhere to their existing class schedules to ensure no interruptions in classes and end-of-school-year (EOSY) activities.
Details on Flexible Work Arrangements and Suspensions
DepEd-Davao further explained that the work-from-home (WFH) provision every Friday, as outlined in DepEd Memorandum (DM) No. 018, series of 2026, is also limited to non-teaching and related-teaching personnel. This memorandum, titled Implementation of Energy Conservation Protocols and Flexible Work Arrangements in the Department of Education Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 114, does not cover school-based personnel. Additionally, the department announced a temporary suspension of the WFH provision under DepEd Memorandum No. 004, series of 2025, which provides guidelines on flexible work arrangements for school-based non-teaching and related-teaching personnel. This suspension is effective until further notice to facilitate the orderly conduct of EOSY activities, with all provisions of DM No. 018, series of 2026, now taking precedence.
Spokesperson Confirms Unchanged Class Schedules
In a related development, DepEd-Davao Region spokesperson Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo clarified that despite the four-day onsite work arrangement, the five-day class schedule for public schools remains unaffected. In a Facebook post, he stated, “Public school operation is not affected by the Four (4) Day Work Week directive. Still, classes are for 5 days. In the light of DepEd Memorandum No. 18, s. 2026, there is NO Work-from-Home for teachers.” This reassurance aims to address any confusion among stakeholders regarding the impact of the new work policies on educational operations.
Background and Compliance with Government Directives
The four-day onsite work arrangement was initiated by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara through DepEd Memorandum No. 018, issued on March 8, 2026. This directive mandates offices nationwide to adopt a Monday-to-Thursday onsite work schedule. The agency clarified that this move complies with Memorandum Circular No. 114 from the Office of the President of the Philippines, which instructs government agencies to implement energy conservation protocols and flexible work arrangements in response to rising fuel prices caused by conflicts in the Middle East. According to DepEd Order No. 012, series of 2025, the School Year 2025–2026, which began on June 16, 2025, will conclude on March 31, 2026, encompassing a total of 197 class days, including EOSY activities.
