Maternity Leave: Right of Every Woman Working in the Government By: Anabella V.

Razona Lopez West District Lopez, Quezon

When I got pregnant for our 3rd child, I was reading some books. Articles about Maternity leave struck me most for it is always an issue every time a teacher apply for it. In my understanding, it is the right of every woman in government service. Since most teachers are women, I would like to share some legal basis of Maternity Leave. It is clear from Sections 1.2.1, 1.2.6, 1.2.7, 1.2.11, and 1.2.12, Chapter 3 of DECS Manual 2000 and on Sections 11,13,14,17, and 18 of CSC MC No.41 that maternity leave may be availed of only by married woman in the government service. But on November 7, 2000, the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000(RA 8972) was promulgated wherein it is declared that the state shall develop a comprehensive program of services for solo parents and their children. In response to the call of RA 8972, the Civil Service Commission amended the Maternity Leave rules under Rule XVI of the Omnibus Civil Service Rules Implementing Book of the Administrative code of 1987(E.O. No.292). Maternity leave refers to leave of absence granted to female government employees legally entitled thereto in addition to vacation and sick leave. The primary intent or purpose of granting maternity leave is to extend working mothers some measures of financial help and to provide her period of rest and recuperation in

connection with her pregnancy. To give clear understanding of the amended sections of the above mentioned rules, here are the provisions, to read as follows: Section 11. Every woman in the government service who has rendered an aggregate of two (2) of more years in service, shall, in addition to the vacation and sick leave granted to her, be entitled to maternity leave of sixty (60) calendar days with full pay. Section 13. every woman, married or unmarried, may be granted maternity leave more than once a year or in every instance of pregnancy irrespectively of its frequency. Section 14. every married or unmarried woman may go on maternity leave for less than sixty (60) days or before the expiration of her maternity leave provided she presents a medical certificate that she is physically fit to assume the duties of her position. Section 17. Every woman employee in the government service is entitled to maternity leave of absence with pay even if she has a pending administrative case. Section 18. all contractual female employees whether or not receiving 20% premium on their salary shall be entitled to maternity leave benefits like regular employees in accordance with the provisions of section 11 hereof. Reference: Rule XVI of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of E.O. No. 292 (Administrative code of 1987)

THE DOCTRINE OF CHRISTMAS

By: Anabella V. Razona Lopez West District Lopez, Quezon

Christ you are the centre of Christmas celebration, the core of our faith,
the incarnate one;

Holy is your name Lord, the holocaust for our redemption; Resurrection is the fulfilment of your mission-to save us from sin; Infinite Love you gave us til your death on the cross; Spirit of Love, Faith and Hope; Trinity, the blessed unity, the mystery of your love for us; Mother Mary, the unblemished womb, instrument of our salvation; Alleluia, Praise the Lord! Youre the anointed one; Save and protect us always in all our daily tribulations, AMEN.

Republic of the Philippine Department of Education Division of Quezon Lopez West District Lopez, Quezon

22 August 2009 PATRIA A.C. BELTRAN Editor The Modern Teacher In the Grade School, Inc. 657 P. Paterno, Quiapo, 1001, Manila Philippines Dear Madam: Greetings of Peace! Your publication The Modern Teacher helps teachers like me. It serves as our reference. That is why I never stop subscribing said paper. To contribute to its noble mission, once again the undersigned respectfully submitted one (1) article entitled BFP LOPEZ AND LOPEZ WEST DISTRICT LAUNCHED K/JFM PROJECT. Hoping for your recognition. More power! Anabella V. Razona EG Teacher III ATTACHEMENT: Pictures of the activity

BFP LOPEZ AND LOPEZ WEST DISTRICT LAUNCHED KIDDIE/JUINIOR FIRE MARSHAL Anabella V. Razona, MAEd Lopez West District, Quezon

On August 20, 2009, the Bureau of Fire Protection-Lopez Fire Station in cooperation with the Lopez West District, Lopez, Quezon launched the Kiddie/Junior Fire Marshal Project (K/JFM) during its regular district meeting. The activity was participated by School Heads, teachers, and BFP personnel. This is in reference to DepEd Memorandum No. 71 s. 2006-Implementation of the K/JFM Project Nationwide, and RA 9514 also known as Fire Code of the Philippines 2008 and it IRR Division 2, Section 7.0.2.1d.

The project was formally launched in a simple program. SFO2 Hilary C Babiera BFP, Chief/Operation Section introduced the K/JFM Project, and FO3 Ignacio B Razona BFP, Chief/Fire Safety Enforcement Section presented the Modules for Teachers Reference. It was highlighted by the Symbolic Turn-Over of Modules and K/JFM accessories to the designated District K/JFM Project Coordinator-Mr. Froilan C. Argamosa, HT III, in the presence of BFP personnel, School Heads, teachers, and Officer-In-Charge of the District, Mrs. Herminia T. Webster.

The modules developed by the curriculum specialists/writers of the Elementary and Secondary Educations Bureaus of DepEd based on the fire safety practices espoused by the DILG-BFP is composed of seven (7) modules for KFM ( 3 for Kindergarten, and 4 for Grades 1&2), and 7 modules for JFM (1 for Grade 3, and 6 for Grades 4 6) to be

integrated in the academic subjects with entry points based on 2002 BEC Learning competencies. Objective of K/JFM Project: 1. Teach learners in the Kindergarten, Grade schools and High school of the importance of fire safety at home and in school; 2. Influence their parents and other members of the family to take fire safety precautions at home and workplace; 3. Have the students effectively involved in the fire safety awareness campaign as a way of life; and 4. Initiate attitude change among sectors of society who are indifferent to fire prevention campaign. To become a bonafide Kiddie/Junior Fire Marshal, the selected learner from every school will have to undergo an orientation seminar to be conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

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