MANILA, Philippines — Public school teachers will now be given a 30-day uninterrupted vacation break, free from any school-related duties, as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) amended guidelines for the school year 2024-2025.

Under the new policy, the department announced that teachers can schedule their break between April 16 and June 1, 2025, either continuously or on a staggered basis. 

During this period, teachers will not be required to engage in any official activities, including the Performance Management Evaluation System (PMES), according to the revised DepEd order.

“This break is a well-deserved opportunity for our learners and teachers to relax after a long academic year,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said in a statement Monday.

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

The updated order extends the benefit to Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers and those teaching Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE), groups that are often excluded from conventional school calendars.

DepEd also clarified that learners enrolled in required summer programs will take their break outside May 13 to June 6, 2025, to accommodate program schedules without affecting teacher rest days.

While professional development programs and training activities may still take place during the summer, DepEd said participation is strictly voluntary and will be held outside the designated 30-day vacation period. 

Teachers who opt to attend these sessions will earn additional Vacation Service Credits (VSC), which can be used to offset future workdays, it said.

Teachers will have until the end of the first month of School Year 2025-2026 to submit their electronic Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (eIPCRF). Those seeking promotion may file their performance evaluations before the last day of classes.

However, school heads are excluded from the uninterrupted vacation provision due to their management duties during the school break. They will instead continue to accrue vacation and sick leave credits during the same period.

DepEd added that teachers may voluntarily return to schools to participate in external activities such as election-related duties or sports events, but these will not interrupt their 30-day break entitlement.