THE DEPARTMENT of Education reminded the teachers that they cannot engage in extracurricular activities during class hours as these will impede their work.

The reminder was contained in DepEd Order No. 008. It advised teachers to decline invitations to non-academic community events if these fall during official work hours.

“DepEd issues this Order to empower our
teachers and make it clear that they have the option to say no to invitations to community events and or requests to render community service that are non-teaching or non-academic in nature regardless if these will be conducted outside school hours,” the department said.

It cited Republic Act 4670, also known as the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, which establishes guidelines for teachers’ work schedules.

“Teachers are primarily responsible for maintaining a learning-focused environment, and at the same time ensuring the welfare of the learners,” the department said.

“Easing the burden of the teachers will help in the improvement of the teacher education curriculum and will promote a more conducive learning environment.”