To: Regional Directors
Cultural Agency Directors
Schools Superintendents
Vocational School Superintendents/Administrators

1. It has been noticed that many teachers, staff, and officials in the field are not fully aware of the rules and regulations on vacation and sick leave issued by the Civil Service Commission and by this Department. Moreover, some of the purposes given in several applications for travel abroad filed in this Office are not reasonable. There are also those who leave their posts without duly approved leave, or request extension of leave abroad without justifying such requests.
2. While the School Principal on immediate supervisor is responsible in ascertaining the reasonableness of the purpose of a leave of absence, or extension thereof, and the Regional Directors have been delegated the authority to approve/disapprove such leaves, it is appropriate to remind all concerned that efficiency of service. The following may be taken as examples of valid reasons for travel abroad:
   1. to attend seminars, conferences and other related activities for professional growth and educational enrichment.
   2. for consultation or treatment of ailment or sickness.
   3. to accompany a sick/old relative with certification from appropriate authority.
3. Vacation leave for purposes of travel abroad with such reasons as to visit cousins, for pleasure, as tourist, etc., are not reasonable if the services of the applicant are needed, the requested leave is too long, and hiring of a substitute will entail additional expenses. The right to travel abroad is respected but should be tempered with one’s sense of responsibility to his primary tasks.
4. Henceforth, authority to travel abroad will be issued by this Office only upon submission of the following documents:
   1. Certificate of approved vacation or sick leave issued by the DECS Director concerned; such certificate should specify the reasonableness or urgency of leave and travel abroad. No certificate of approved leave shall be issued by the Regional Director unless already existing requirements are fully met.
   2. In the case of scholars, approved scholarship grant.
5. Regional Directors are expected to indorse to the Department only those that meet the foregoing requirements. Principals, superintendents and other officials shall be held liable for wrongly indorsed applications for leave.
6. Immediate dissemination of this Order is desired for information and guidance of all concerned.

(SGD.) LOURDES R. QUISIMBING
Secretary

References: DECS Orders: Nos. 50 and 93, s.1989
Allotment: 1-2-3–(M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
AUTHORITY
BUREAUS & OFFICES
EMPLOYEES
LEAVE
OFFICIALS
POLICY
RULES & REGULATIONS
TRAVEL

DO_s1990_001