Teachers who will participate in the National Learning Camp (NLC) to be implemented in July will not be subjected to the 15-day service credit limit set by the Department of Education (DepEd).
DepEd file photo

In an interview over DZBB on Friday, June 16, DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa said teachers who will join the NLC during school break will be given service credits. “Dito sa program, magbibigay tayo ng service credit para sa ating mga guro sa services rendered during the learning camp (In the program, we will give service credit for our teachers for the services rendered during the learning camp),” Poa said. DepEd will implement the NLC starting July 24 to help address learning gaps and losses triggered by school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. READ: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/7/dep-ed-to-hold-nat-l-learning-camp-during-school-break](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/7/dep-ed-to-hold-nat-l-learning-camp-during-school-break) Poa said that in 2003, DepEd set a limit of 15 days of service credit for teachers. “Itong ibibigay sa learning camp is over and above ng limit na ‘yun. Hindi sila masasakop ng limitasyon na 15 days (What will be given in the learning camp is over and above that limit. They will not be covered by the limit of 15 days),” Poe explained. Early this month, a teachers’ group raised concerns about DepEd’s plan to hold NLC during school break because it will “deprive” teachers of their “right to ample rest and time to recuperate.” READ: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/8/teachers-raise-concerns-on-dep-ed-s-planned-implementation-of-learning-camps-1](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/8/teachers-raise-concerns-on-dep-ed-s-planned-implementation-of-learning-camps-1) “Even when we’re planning the NLC, our intention was to ensure that the service credits of teachers will not be limited to 15 days,” he explained in a mix of English and Filipino. However, Poa pointed out that participating in the NLC remains voluntary for both teachers and students. READ: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/joining-nat-l-learning-camp-voluntary-for-teachers-learners-dep-ed-1](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/joining-nat-l-learning-camp-voluntary-for-teachers-learners-dep-ed-1)

Service credits, PVP

Unlike other government employees, Poa explained that teachers do not have vacation leave throughout the year. However, during school breaks, Poa noted that teachers have the Proportional Vacation Pay (PVP) which they receive even if they are on vacation. Service credits are given to teachers to “offset absences” due to illness. As per DepEd, one workday service credit is used to offset one day of absence. PVP, on the other hand, refers to the compensation of teachers during school breaks and Christmas vacation days computed in proportion to the number of days they have served during the school year. Poa explained that since teachers do not have vacation leave throughout the year if they are absent and they do not have service credits, this will be deducted from their PVP. Aside from service credits, Poa said that DepEd is also eyeing the provision of meals to teachers who will participate in the implementation of the NLC. “We are giving service credits and we are looking to cover meals but we’re still finalizing the details,” Po said. “By early next week or some time next week, we can release the guidelines,” he added. RELATED STORY: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/11/remove-15-days-cap-for-service-credits-dep-ed-told](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/11/remove-15-days-cap-for-service-credits-dep-ed-told)