Clarifications on the Policy on Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA)

Clarifications on the Policy on Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA)


Dear RDs/SDSs,

Due to escalating concerns of our personnel following the issuance of the policy on Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) per DO 11, s. 2020, and the on-going physical enrollment per DO 8, s. 2020, the following clarifications are hereby being made:

While the AWA policy takes effect starting tomorrow, 22 June 2020, Monday, DO11 does not, in any way, restrict teaching personnel to report on a Work-From-Home (WFH) basis. A WFH arrangement is still highly recommended for both teaching and non-teaching personnel, especially for functions/processes/services that can be rendered through alternative strategies/modalities.

Physical reporting to the workplace/onsite, including the conduct of physical enrollment in schools and/or other similar activities, shall be highly discouraged, even in low risk areas. SDOs and schools/CLCs are urged to exhaust all possible means to conduct remote enrollment. Unless otherwise highly necessary (that is, only in the event that parents/guardians have no other means to submit enrollment data through remote platforms), any form of physical enrollment shall be done in proper coordination with the LGUs concerned, and in strict compliance with minimum public health and safety standards and stringent physical distancing protocols.

3. In exceptional cases (that is, only in the event when the function/process/service to be rendered cannot be delivered through alternative strategies/modalities), offices/schools/CLCs requiring physical reporting to the workplace/onsite must ensure that the workplace is compliant with the Safe Return to Work protocols per Item No. 17 of DO11 and other precautionary measures as required by the IATF and DOH.

4. For schools that were used as quarantine or isolation facilities, physical reporting to the workplace/onsite shall be PROHIBITED until such time that a certification from proper health authorities are issued declaring that the school is safe and fit for education use subsequent to clean up and fumigation protocols, in accordance with pertinent DOH guidelines and other applicable rules and issuances.

5. It is emphasized that DO11 does not encourage physical reporting. It simply provides for a menu of AWA options and guidance to DepEd offices/schools/CLCs and personnel on the work arrangement that is most appropriate/applicable to the office/school/CLC based on the: (a) form of community quarantine where the office/school/CLC is situated; (b) minimum public health and safety standards; and (c) continuity of basic education services amid this pandemic.

6. Optimal or full operational capacity, as may be allowed in MGCQ and Post-CQ areas, does not necessarily correspond to full manpower requirement physically reporting to the workplace/onsite.

Clarifications on the Policy on Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) - DOWNLOAD/ READ FULL TEXT


7. Health and safety conditions and travel limitations of personnel, as enumerated in DM43 and DO11, shall be taken into consideration in determining the applicable AWA per individual.

For guidance, please refer to the (a) Summary AWA based on CQ Classification; and (b) Flowchart in Deciding on Applicable AWA (attached below).

Please be reminded that while we strive for the continuity of basic education services, we remain committed to protect the health and safety of our personnel. A single transmission may lead to even more problems and will further hamper service delivery in our offices and schools.

Thank you.

Clarifications on the Policy on Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) - DOWNLOAD/ READ FULL TEXT 


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