Public school teachers and non-teaching personnel nationwide are now entitled to up to five days of wellness leave annually to support their mental health and overall well-being, the Department of Education said on Friday.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the new policy reflects the department’s commitment to care for its workforce at all levels.

"This is our offering to every DepEd employee—from the central office to the regions, division offices, schools, and community learning centers, regardless of their employment status," Angara said.

"We recognize that their health, especially their mental health, is essential to their continued service to our learners," he added.

The guidelines, aligned with Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2026, cover eligible DepEd officials and employees in permanent, temporary, casual, contractual, coterminous, substitute and provisional positions, as well as contract of service and job order personnel directly engaged by the department.

The wellness leave is separate from existing vacation and sick leave benefits and may be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities or a restorative break from work.

Personnel may take up to three consecutive days at a time or avail themselves of non-consecutive days throughout the year, subject to approval procedures.

DepEd said mental health-related information disclosed during the application process will be treated as confidential and handled in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Applications must generally be filed at least five days in advance, except in emergencies. Unused wellness leave cannot be accumulated or converted into cash.

Angara said the initiative supports national policies promoting workplace mental health and aims to strengthen employee resilience while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of education services.

“When we take care of our teachers and staff, our schools become stronger. This is an investment not only in our workforce, but in the future of our students," he said.