Work-from-home arrangement for civil servants with cancer

Dear PAO,

My live-in partner is a government employee. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing treatment. Her sister, a private employee, said that her co-worker, who also has cancer, is allowed to have a flexible work arrangement such as a «work-from-home» setup. Is there something similar for civil servants? It will immensely help lessen the burden on my partner if she can work from home. It will save her not only a lot of time from her day-to-day commute but also the energy she needs to recuperate. Please advise.

Orly

Dear Orly,

Cancer is known to be one of the leading causes of death in our country and, perhaps, around the world. This is why our government has consistently made efforts to address the needs of persons living with cancer as well as those who have survived said illness and improve the programs that are aimed to help and support them. In fact, Republic Act (RA) 11215, otherwise known as the «National Integrated Cancer Control Act,» specifically mandates the Civil Service Commission (CSC), among other government agencies, to develop policies and programs geared toward the provision of support for people battling or have battled with cancer. As provided for under Section 18 of RA 11215:

«Section 18. Health Education and Promotion in the Workplace. – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies and provide technical guidance to employers, employees associations, and unions to:

»x x x

"(b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support programs for people living with cancer, cancer survivors, and their family members;"

In line with the aforementioned government's mandate, the CSC has issued Memorandum Circular 06 dated June 6, 2022, the Policies on Flexible Work Arrangements in the Government, which allows government agencies to adopt a flexiplace work arrangement for civil servants who are recuperating from cancer, among other illnesses and diseases, provided that such arrangement is only on a temporary basis, is duly approved by the head of