Health Update: DepEd grants 5-day wellness leave to teachers, staff nationwide – What Experts Say

February 15, 2026 | 10:06am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has granted 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.

In a statement issued on Saturday, February 14, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the benefit 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.

Angara said the policy aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to promote employee welfare under the administration’s governance agenda.

“Naniniwala ako na kapag inaalagaan natin ang ating mga guro at kawani, mas nagiging matatag ang ating mga paaralan at mas napapabuti ang kalidad ng edukasyon para sa ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara said.

(When we take care of our teachers and personnel, our schools become stronger and the quality of education improves for our students.)

“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, patuloy nating isinusulong ang mga konkretong hakbang para sa mas maalagang pamahalaan—dahil ang pag-aalaga sa ating educators ay pamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” 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.)

The department issued DepEd Order No. 002, s. 2026 pursuant to the Civil Service Commission wellness leave policy, recognizing that heavy workload and stress can affect the well-being and productivity of employees.

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

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

The policy also guarantees the confidentiality of mental health-related information in compliance with the Data Privacy Act.

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.