The Department of Education has issued a policy granting up to five days of annual wellness leave for teachers and non-teaching personnel nationwide, aimed at bolstering mental health and enhancing workplace conditions. Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that this aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to promote employee welfare.
On February 14, Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued a statement regarding the Department of Education's (DepEd) new benefit. Under DepEd Order No. 002, s. 2026, which follows the Civil Service Commission's wellness leave policy, qualified teachers and non-teaching personnel from the central office to schools and community learning centers can now take up to five days of wellness leave, regardless of employment status.
This leave is distinct from vacation or sick leave and can be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or rest. It may be taken consecutively for up to three days or on separate occasions within the year, with applications generally required at least five days in advance, except in emergencies. The leave is non-cumulative and cannot be converted to cash.
"I believe that when we take care of our teachers and personnel, our schools become stronger and the quality of education improves for our students," Angara said. He added, "Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, we continue to advance concrete steps toward a more caring government—because taking care of our educators is an investment in the future of Filipino youth."
To ensure classes continue uninterrupted, school heads must assign relievers during absences, and teachers performing substitute duties will receive overload pay under existing workload rules. The policy also ensures confidentiality of mental health-related information in line with the Data Privacy Act. DepEd states that this measure aims to reduce absenteeism and turnover rates while fostering a supportive work environment for educators, viewing it as an investment in the future of Filipino learners.