DepEd Introduces Five-Day Wellness Leave for Public School Educators and Personnel
The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially announced the implementation of a five-day wellness leave for all public school teachers and non-teaching staff, effective as of Friday, February 13, 2026. This new benefit is designed to provide dedicated time for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or restorative breaks, supplementing existing vacation and sick leave allowances.
Aligning with National Welfare Initiatives
This grant of wellness leave is in direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to prioritize the welfare and mental health of Filipinos, with a specific focus on those within the education sector. In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the critical importance of this measure, acknowledging the increasing demands placed on teaching and administrative roles.
"We recognize that their health, especially mental health, is essential for their continued service to our learners," Angara stated, highlighting the department's commitment to supporting its workforce. He further clarified that the five-day wellness leave is available to all DepEd personnel, irrespective of their position or employment classification, from central offices to regional divisions, schools, and community learning centers.
Eligibility and Usage Guidelines
According to Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2026 from the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the wellness leave applies to a wide range of employees, including:
- Permanent staff
- Temporary and casual personnel
- Contractual and coterminous employees
- Substitute and provisional positions
- Contract of Service and Job Order workers
Eligible individuals must file for this leave at least five days in advance, though exceptions are made for emergency situations. The leave can be utilized in blocks of up to three consecutive days or spread non-consecutively throughout the year. Importantly, unused wellness leave days cannot be accumulated or converted into cash, ensuring the benefit is used for its intended purpose of well-being.
Proposed Trimester System for Enhanced Flexibility
In a related development, DepEd has proposed transitioning to a trimester system in public schools to create longer and more flexible learning environments. Angara explained that this shift aims to improve instructional quality and reduce teacher workload by distributing 201 school days across three terms.
"We are promoting this to have longer, continuous time for learning, better pacing for lessons, and lesser administrative burdens for our teachers," he noted. The proposed calendar for School Year 2026 to 2027 includes:
- First trimester: June to September
- Second trimester: September to December
- Third trimester: January to late March
Each term will feature instructional blocks for teaching and learning, enrichment periods for remediation and grading, and dedicated wellness breaks. Trimester intervals will also allow educators additional time for planning, assessment, and professional development tasks, further supporting their well-being and effectiveness in the classroom.
