DepEd Announces Mid-School Year Wellness Break for Teachers and Learners

Filipinoguardian | MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) has declared a mid-school year wellness break for public school teachers and learners from October 27 to 30, 2025, giving them time to rest, recover, and recharge after a challenging first half of the school year.

The move comes in response to the growing need to support the mental health and well-being of educators and students, especially those affected by recent natural disasters and flu-like illnesses.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the decision aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure that teachers’ welfare remains a top priority under the administration’s education reforms.

“Sa linggo-linggo nating pagbisita sa mga paaralan, naririnig namin ang panawagan ng ating mga guro. Minabuti na natin na mabigyan sila ng oras para magpahinga at magkaroon ng dagdag na oras kasama ang kanilang pamilya,” Secretary Angara said.

“Marami sa ating mga guro at mag-aaral ay galing sa mga lugar na tinamaan ng bagyo at lindol o may mga kaso ng trangkaso. Kaya sabi nga natin, konting pahinga muna. Mas makakapagtrabaho tayo nang maayos kung maayos din ang pakiramdam natin,” he added.

Promoting Balance and Well-being in Education

DepEd emphasized that the four-day wellness break serves as an opportunity for teachers to rest and regain energy before resuming academic and professional development activities. The break also allows schools to adjust the schedule of the Midyear In-Service Training (INSET), ensuring that learning continuity is balanced with teacher wellness.

The directive modifies certain provisions of DepEd Memorandum–Office of the Undersecretary for Learning Systems–2025-095, consistent with Department Order No. 12, s. 2025, which prioritizes teacher welfare and health-conscious school management.

Schools that have already made payments for INSET venues and meals may reschedule their training or repurpose the funds for other educational activities. If rescheduling is not possible, DepEd allows schools to proceed voluntarily with INSET, and teachers who attend will not be required to repeat similar trainings later in the school year.

Flexibility for Schools and Divisions

DepEd is giving Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and Regional Offices (ROs) the flexibility to adjust academic schedules based on local conditions. The agency reiterated that schools are still expected to conduct professional development programs and INSET activities on alternative dates within the school year.

Classes across public schools will resume on November 3, 2025, following the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.

Supporting Continuous Teacher Development

DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to upskilling and professionalizing the teaching workforce through ongoing training and development programs. The INSET remains a key part of this initiative, serving as a structured platform for teachers and school heads to upgrade their skills and adapt to curriculum reforms, innovative teaching methods, and digital learning tools.

With the wellness break in place, DepEd underscores that caring for teachers’ well-being is not just a benefit—but a crucial investment in improving classroom performance and student outcomes.

“Mas magiging epektibo ang pagtuturo kung may oras din para sa pahinga,” Secretary Angara said, emphasizing that teacher wellness directly impacts the quality of education delivered in public schools.

By declaring this mid-year wellness break, DepEd continues to champion the balance between academic excellence and mental wellness, ensuring that both teachers and learners are healthy, motivated, and ready to face the rest of the school year with renewed energy.