DepEd doubles allowable vacation service credits of teachers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has doubled the allowable vacation service credits (VSCs) of teachers to 30 days from the current 15 days, which can be used in offsetting absences due to illness or personal reasons, or to recover salary deductions.

Under DepEd Order No. 13, Series of 2024, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Sept. 18, incumbent teachers with at least one year of service, as well as newly hired teachers appointed within four months after the start of classes, are now entitled to 30 days of VSCs annually.

Meanwhile, newly hired teachers whose appointments are issued late, or beyond four months after the start of classes, shall be entitled to 45 days of VSCs for one calendar year and to 30 days of VSCs for the succeeding years.

A notable feature of the new guidelines is the calculation of service credits beyond regular work hours.

Under the new guidelines, for every hour of eligible service rendered during school days, teachers will earn 1.25 hours of VSC. If the service is rendered during Christmas or summer breaks, weekends or holidays, this will be equivalent to 1.5 hours of VSC per hour.