Benedict Maravilla

In the effort to recognize the religious beliefs of its employees, the Department of Education (DepEd) has granted flexible work hours to Muslim personnel in observance of Ramadan.

Photo Courtesy of Primer.com.ph/Department of Education.

In a memorandum released on Feb. 28, DepEd stated that it respects the rights of its Muslim workers, hence setting policies to adjust working hours for the whole month of Ramadan, as well as the conduct of Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs).

“With the upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan from February 28 to March 29, 2025, DepEd respects the rights of all Muslim personnel to fast during this time without affecting the continuous provision of basic education services to the general public,” the memo read.

Muslim personnel observing the fasting for Ramadan are permitted to render working hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., without noon break to adhere to the required eight hours of work as per DepEd rules.

The agency also recommended the conduct of Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) during the last 10 days of Ramadan for personnel and learners who are fasting throughout the day and praying at night and dawn in quest of Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree).

In line with this, DepEd ordered schools to conduct an orientation of Muslim parents and learners of the use of ADM during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month-long commemoration of Muslims of the revelation of the Qur’an where they observe fasting and perform special prayers.