DepEd approves 5-day annual wellness leave to all teachers, staff 

The Department of Education (DepEd) has granted a five-day annual wellness leave for teaching and non-teaching personnel, aiming to improve workplace conditions and strengthen mental health, with requests handled confidentially.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated the policy is a concrete expression of the department’s commitment to care for its workforce across all levels of the organization, and in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen employee welfare and promote mental health across the public sector.

“This is our offering to every DepEd personnel — from the central office to the regions, division offices, schools and community learning centers regardless of their employment status. We recognize that their health, especially their mental health, is vital to their continued service to our learners,” Angara said.

In accordance with DepEd Order (DO) 002, s. 2026, known as the Wellness Leave Policy. aims to support the department’s employees’ well-being and mental health, as well as ensure a healthy, supportive, and enabling work environment.

The order comes on the heels of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) approval of up to five days of Wellness Leave in line with the Mental Health Act.

DepEd clarified that the wellness leave is separate from existing vacation and sick leave benefits and may be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities or simply to take a restorative break from work. 

Personnel may avail themselves of the leave for up to three consecutive days at a time or on nonconsecutive days throughout the year, depending on their needs and subject to approval procedures.

Further, school heads must ensure classes continue during absences by assigning relievers, while teachers performing substitute duties may receive overload pay under existing workload rules.

DepEd also emphasized that any mental health-related information disclosed during the application process will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Applications must generally be filed five days in advance, except in emergencies, and unused wellness leave cannot be carried over or converted into cash.

DepEd said the measure seeks to reduce absenteeism and turnover while creating a supportive work environment for educators, describing it as an investment in the future of Filipino learners.