THE Department of Education has suspended the conduct of trainings, seminars, meetings and similar engagements that require employees to leave their work stations.
The August 22 memorandum signed by Education Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said the suspension will last until September 17.
Densing said the memorandum was issued to ensure that all officials and employees of the department will devote their time and effort for the opening of classes.
“In view hereof, it is advised that across all government levels, the conduct of trainings, workshops, seminars and the participation to meetings and other engagements that will affect the conduct of classes and that will require officials and employees who are essential and have specific roles in the opening of classes to leave their respective offices, shall be suspended until September 17,” the memorandum said.
It added that only activities related to enrollment and opening of classes shall be allowed.
“Otherwise, the concerned office shall provide justifiable reasons, subject to the approval of the Regional Director for school and division office-initiated activities,” it added.
For activities initiated by the regional offices, Densing said it must be approved by the supervising Undersecretary.
“For Central office-initiated activities, the activity must be recommended by the Bureau Director, for onward submission to the supervising Executive Committee Official,” he said.
Earlier, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte told teachers to focus on academics to keep up with the learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic when there were no in-person classes.
Duterte said some extra-curricular activities would not push through this school year to prioritize the student’s academic development.
