MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has approved up to five days of annual wellness leave for teachers and non-teaching personnel, a move aimed at strengthening mental health and improving workplace conditions in the education sector.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the benefit, issued under DepEd Order No. 002, s. 2026, covers eligible personnel from the central office down to schools and community learning centers, regardless of employment status. The leave is separate from vacation and sick leave and may be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or rest.

“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 that the policy aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’sdirective to promote employee welfare.

Under the guidelines, personnel may take wellness leave consecutively for up to three days or on separate dates within the year. Applications must generally be filed at least five days in advance, except in emergencies. The leave is non-cumulative and cannot be converted into cash.

School heads are tasked with ensuring classes continue during absences by assigning relievers, while teachers performing substitute duties may receive overload pay under existing workload rules. Confidentiality of mental health-related information is guaranteed in compliance with the Data Privacy Act.

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