The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a clarification memorandum regarding the implementation of work-from-home arrangements every Friday, specifying that the policy applies only to non-teaching and related-teaching personnel in DepEd offices, not to classroom teachers or school-based staff.
According to the memorandum dated March 11, 2026, and signed by Undersecretary Atty. Epimaco A. Densing III, the clarification addresses the implementation of DepEd Memorandum No. 018, series of 2026, which established energy conservation protocols and flexible work arrangements.
The policy adopts a four-day onsite work schedule from Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as the common work-from-home day for eligible personnel.
Teachers Must Continue Regular Schedules
The memorandum emphasizes that teaching personnel must continue to follow their existing class schedules to ensure uninterrupted classes and end-of-school-year activities. This clarification comes as schools prepare for the conclusion of the current academic year.
“Teaching personnel shall continue to follow their existing class schedules to ensure uninterrupted classes and end-of-school-year (EOSY) activities,” the memorandum states.
The policy specifically notes that Memorandum Circular No. 114, series 2026, does not cover school-based personnel, making it clear that the work-from-home arrangement is limited to administrative and office-based staff.
Suspension of Previous WFH Guidelines
The new clarification temporarily suspends certain provisions of DepEd Memorandum No. 004, series 2025, which provided guidelines on flexible work arrangements for school-based non-teaching and related-teaching personnel.
This suspension will remain in effect “until further notice to ensure the orderly conduct of EOSY activities,” according to the memorandum.
The decision reflects the department’s priority to maintain educational continuity during the critical end-of-school-year period, when various academic and administrative activities require full staffing at school sites.
Energy Conservation Focus
The work-from-home policy is part of broader energy conservation protocols implemented by the Department of Education. The original memorandum was issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 114, which focuses on energy-saving measures across government agencies.
By reducing office occupancy on Fridays, the department aims to decrease electricity consumption and operational costs while maintaining essential services and educational delivery.
The four-day onsite schedule represents a significant shift in government work arrangements, balancing operational efficiency with energy conservation goals.
Impact on Negros Oriental Schools
For schools and DepEd offices in Negros Oriental, the clarification provides clear guidance on which personnel are eligible for Friday work-from-home arrangements. Division offices and administrative units can implement the flexible arrangement for qualified staff while ensuring schools remain fully operational.
School heads and division superintendents in the province must ensure that all teaching activities, including remedial classes, assessment periods, and graduation preparations, continue without disruption.
The policy affects thousands of DepEd employees nationwide, including those in Negros Oriental’s various school divisions, from Dumaguete City to the province’s remote municipalities.
Administrative Implementation
The memorandum was distributed to all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureau and service directors, regional directors, schools division superintendents, and public elementary and secondary school heads nationwide.
This wide distribution ensures consistent implementation across all levels of the education system, from central offices in Manila to regional offices and local school divisions.
The clarification memo serves as official guidance for all concerned personnel and requires “strict compliance” from all recipients.
Maintaining Educational Quality
The emphasis on continuing regular class schedules underscores DepEd’s commitment to maintaining educational quality and completion rates, particularly during the crucial end-of-school-year period.
End-of-school-year activities typically include final examinations, grade computation and submission, student recognition programs, and preparation for the upcoming school year.
These activities require full coordination between teachers, school administrators, and support staff, making physical presence essential for smooth operations.
Future Implementation
While the current memorandum temporarily suspends work-from-home arrangements for school-based personnel, it leaves open the possibility of future implementation once end-of-school-year activities are completed.
The phrase “until further notice” suggests that DepEd may revisit the policy for school-based staff once the academic year concludes and regular operations resume.
All other provisions of DepEd Memorandum No. 018, series 2026, remain in effect, indicating that the energy conservation protocols continue as planned for eligible personnel.
The Department of Education continues to balance operational flexibility with educational continuity, ensuring that policy changes support rather than hinder the primary mission of providing quality education to Filipino students.
Photo credit: Photo from DepEd.gov.ph
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