DepEd Wellness Leave 2026: Teachers and Personnel Entitled to Up to 5 Days of Paid Leave
Issued on February 13, 2026, the order provides eligible DepEd personnel with up to five (5) days of paid Wellness Leave per calendar year, separate from their existing vacation, sick, and other leave benefits.
The policy implements Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2026, recognizing the importance of rest, mental health, and work-life balance among government employees.
Who Can Avail of Wellness Leave?
The benefit covers eligible DepEd teaching, related-teaching, and non-teaching personnel, including those holding permanent, temporary, casual, contractual, substitute, provisional, fixed-term, and coterminous positions.
Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) personnel directly engaged by DepEd are also covered, subject to applicable contractual provisions. Personnel hired through manpower agencies and LGU-funded personnel are excluded from this DepEd order.
Important Rules on Wellness Leave
Under DepEd Order No. 002, s. 2026, the following guidelines apply:
Maximum of 5 days annually. Eligible personnel may avail of up to five paid Wellness Leave days per calendar year.
Maximum of 3 consecutive days. Leave may be taken for up to three consecutive days at a time or on separate days.
Separate from other leave credits. Wellness Leave does not deduct from existing vacation or sick leave benefits.
Advance application. Applications must generally be submitted at least five days before the intended leave. Emergency applications must be filed immediately upon returning to work.
Non-cumulative and non-convertible. Unused Wellness Leave cannot be carried over to the following year or converted into cash.
Important Reminder: Any unused Wellness Leave for 2026 will be forfeited after December 31, 2026.
Can Teachers Use Wellness Leave During Class Days?
Yes. DepEd clarified in its August 10, 2026 memorandum that teachers may avail themselves of Wellness Leave during class days, subject to existing rules and approval procedures.
School heads must ensure the continuous delivery of instruction by assigning teachers to handle classes during an approved absence.
How to Apply for Wellness Leave
Teachers and other eligible employees must accomplish the prescribed CSC Form No. 6 and indicate “Wellness Leave (CSC MC No. 01, s. 2026)” under the applicable leave category.
For teachers, the school head recommends the application for approval by the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS), following the prescribed procedures.
Wellness Leave may be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or simply taking a break from work. Mental health-related information disclosed during the application process must remain confidential.
A Reminder to All DepEd Personnel
As 2026 approaches its end, teachers and employees are encouraged to review their remaining Wellness Leave credits and plan their applications accordingly.
Taking care of one's health is essential to providing quality education and public service. A well-rested and healthy workforce contributes to stronger schools and better learning environments.
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