Teachers may enjoy their 30-day flexible and uninterrupted vacation between April 16 to June 1, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday.

Based on DepEd’s department order (DO) No. 9, series of 2025, public school teachers will be allowed to avail their vacation days either in a straight or staggered period.

In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed hope that the amended guidelines on vacation days will help motivate teachers for the upcoming academic year after school break.

“This break is a well-deserved opportunity for our learners and teachers to relax after a long academic year,” he said.

“I hope they spend this time wisely, unwinding with their families and loved ones, and return to work energized for the new school year.”

The order is in line with the efforts of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance the work-life balance of teachers.

Under DO 9, teachers are not required to participate in Performance Management Evaluation System (PMES) activities.

Submission of the Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (IPCRF) may be done online by the end of the month of the school year 2025-2026, it added.

Teachers who will participate in professional development activities or other summer programs, which will be scheduled outside the declared vacation period, will also have additional Vacation Service Credits (VSC) on top of the 30-day vacation days.

The amended guidelines, likewise, cover Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers and those involved in Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE); while learners who will undergo mandatory summer classes will have vacation outside the May 13 to June 6 period.

All public school teachers, meanwhile, must submit their intent or options for their 30-day break to school principals on or before April 16. (PNA)