DAGUPAN CITY — In light of the ongoing typhoon season and southwest monsoon (habagat) impacting various regions in the Philippines, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reaffirmed that permanent government employees directly affected by natural calamities are eligible to apply for a five-day “special emergency leave” (SEL).
Enclosed in CSC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2 s. of 2012, supplemented by CSC MC No. 16 s. 2012, the SEL is designed to allow workers to address personal emergencies resulting from typhoons, floods, and other similar events while ensuring job security.
Romel Rivera, senior human resource specialist of CSC Western Pangasinan Field Office, said this includes evacuating from affected areas, repairing damaged homes, or caring for affected family members.
He stated that government employees may apply for SEL immediately or within 30 days after a state of calamity is declared in their area.
“Ang mga empleyado natin na apektado ng kalamidad, lalo na ngayong panahon ng bagyo, na hindi makakapagreport nang pisikal sa kanilang opisina ay maaari silang gumamit ng SEL,” said Rivera during the recent episode of Pantongtongan Tayo virtual presser of PIA Pangasinan.
(Our employees affected by the calamity, especially during this typhoon season, who cannot report physically to their office may use SEL.)
He explained that SEL can be applied for five consecutive working days or on a staggered basis and will not be deducted from the employee’s leave credits.
He added that unused SEL cannot be carried over to the following year, accumulated, or converted into regular leave credits or cash equivalents.
To grant SEL, the employee must present relevant documentation, including proof of residence based on the latest available records, a medical certificate for themselves or their family stating they suffered illness or disease due to the calamity, proof of unavailable public transportation, and evidence of road closures affecting travel to the office.
Likewise, Rivera assured that the CSC remains committed to providing efficient and effective public service, even during calamities or disasters. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
