QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 38)
It provides government employees full opportunity to properly observe All Saints' Day on 01 November 2023 and allows them to travel by implementing a work-from-home arrangement on 31 October 2023, and requiring synchronous classes in public schools on the same date.
On 31 October 2023.
Synchronous classes in public schools shall be conducted on 31 October 2023.
Agencies whose functions involve delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or performance of other vital services.
They shall continue with their usual operations and render the necessary services in person.
Yes. For those not covered by the exceptions, work-from-home in government offices on 31 October 2023 is implemented to facilitate observance of All Saints' Day and travel.
The respective heads of private companies and private schools, as the circular states that it is left to their discretion.
No. It explicitly leaves any similar arrangement for private companies and classes in private schools to the discretion of their respective heads.
It shall take effect immediately.
Issued on 27 October 2023, and it takes effect immediately.
It aims to provide government employees full opportunity to observe All Saints' Day on 01 November 2023 by allowing an arrangement (work-from-home) on 31 October 2023 so they can travel.
It means exempt agencies must physically render necessary services, i.e., they cannot shift to work-from-home for the covered vital functions.
It indicates live/real-time class sessions conducted on 31 October 2023, rather than purely asynchronous or offline-only learning.
At minimum, the agency must continue in person for the vital services covered by the exception; non-vital functions may follow work-from-home. The circular does not provide a detailed rule, so agencies must align operations with the exception.
Essential/basic health services and disaster preparedness/response (and other vital services) continue normally in person, while other offices shift to work-from-home and public schools conduct synchronous classes on 31 October 2023.