CEBU CITY -Public school teachers and non-teaching personnel may now avail of a five-day wellness leave each year, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Friday.

The wellness leave is on top of existing vacation and sick leaves and may be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or a short break to rest and recover from work.

DepEd said the benefit is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect the welfare and mental health of Filipinos, including education workers.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the measure recognizes the increasing demands of teaching and administrative work.

“We acknowledge that their health, especially mental health, is important for them to continuously serve our learners,” Angara said.

He added that the wellness leave is granted to all DepEd personnel, regardless of position or employment status.

“This is our offering to every DepEd employee—from the central office to regional and division offices, schools, and community learning centers—regardless of employment classification,” he said.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2026 of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the benefit covers permanent, temporary, casual, contractual, coterminous, substitute, and provisional employees, as well as Contract of Service and Job Order workers.

Eligible personnel must file their application at least five days in advance, except in emergency cases. The leave may be taken for up to three consecutive days at a time or spread out across the year. Unused wellness leave cannot be accumulated or converted into cash.