EDUCATION officials, teaching and non-teaching personnel directly affected by calamities or disasters can apply for a special five-day emergency leave, according to the Department of Education.

Based on a memorandum issued by the Office of Undersecretary Jesus Mateo, the special emergency leave shall be given for a maximum of five days in a year and will be non-deductible from the employee’s earned leave or service credits.

Employees may avail of the special emergency leave within 30 days from the actual occurrence of the natural calamity or disaster.

Employees under a Job Order or Contract of Service can also apply as long as they meet the verification needed.

The grant of the special leave shall be based on the declaration of a state of calamity by President Rodrigo Duterte or the local government unit.

In cases where a specific area was not declared under a state of calamity but was severely affected,  the Education Secretary,  regional director or the school division superintendent shall take full responsibility in granting the special emergency leave.