Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 'S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION MEMORANDUM FROM THE CHAIRPERSON FOR ALL CHED REGIONAL OFFICE DIRECTORS. AND OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE ‘SUBJECT REMEDIAL WORK FOR TEACHERS, PERSONNEL AND STUDENTS TO BE EXCUSED DUE TO COMPLIANCE WITH RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS DATE November 15, 2010 In response to the request of Angat Tayo Party-List Representative Daryl Grace J. ‘Abayon seeking this Commission's intercession in encouraging higher education insfitutions (HEIs) to give consideration for teachers, personnel and students who cannot attend class or participate in any schoo! activity during weekends in view of their religious obligations, a Memorandum of the Executive Director was issued on February 10, 2010. All concerned were enjoined to undertake “appropriate measures and exercise judicious judgment” to inform HEls in the Regions about this policy, which could then serve as guide or reference for HEIs in organizing schoo! activities during weekends, and/or in sending participants to these activities, Our fundamental Law explicitly provides under Section § of the Bill of Rights that “The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.” in this regard, the Commission is obligated to ensure that all higher education institutions render proper respect and compliance to this constitutional right, while at the same time acknowledging the exercise of their academic freedom also guaranteed under the Constitution, ‘The Commission therefore clarifies that in implementing the aforementioned policy, HEIs shall be enjoined to: (1) excuse students from attendance/partcipation in school or related activities if such schedule conflicts with the exercise of their religious obligations, ‘and (2) allow faculty, personnel and staff to forego attendance during academic and elated work and activities scheduled on days which would conflict with the exercise of ‘heir religious freedom. Instead, the affected students, faculty, personnel and staff may be allowed to do remedial work to compensate for absences, within the bounds of school rules and regulations without their grades being affected, or with no diminution in theit salaries or leave credits or performance evaluation/assessment, provided they submit a certification or proof of attendance/participation duly signed by their pastor, priest, minister or religious leader for periods of absence from classes, work or school activities. For your guidance and strict compliance. PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, Ph.D. uf es