Good News, Teachers! The 5-Day Wellness Leave Includes You
Good News, Teachers! The 5-Day Wellness Leave Includes You
There has been some chatter in the faculty rooms and group chats lately regarding the new Wellness Leave Policy (WLP). We’ve heard the concerns: "Are we excluded?" "Is this only for office-based personnel?"
Based on recent official guidance from the Civil Service Commission (CSC), we are here to set the record straight: Public school teachers are absolutely covered by the Wellness Leave Policy.
What is the Wellness Leave?
Promulgated under CSC Resolution No. 2501292 (dated November 13, 2025), this policy grants government employees a specific period to focus on their well-being.
Key facts about the leave:
Duration: The policy allows for a maximum of five (5) days of Wellness Leave.
Separate Benefit: This leave is separate and exclusive from your 15 days of Vacation Leave, 15 days of Sick Leave, and 3 days of Special Leave.
Based on recent official guidance from the Civil Service Commission (CSC), we are here to set the record straight: Public school teachers are absolutely covered by the Wellness Leave Policy.
What is the Wellness Leave?
Promulgated under CSC Resolution No. 2501292 (dated November 13, 2025), this policy grants government employees a specific period to focus on their well-being.
Key facts about the leave:
Duration: The policy allows for a maximum of five (5) days of Wellness Leave.
Separate Benefit: This leave is separate and exclusive from your 15 days of Vacation Leave, 15 days of Sick Leave, and 3 days of Special Leave.
Broad Coverage: It applies to all government officials and employees, whether you are permanent, temporary, substitute, coterminous, fixed-term, contractual, or casual.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion often stems from how individual agencies or Schools Division Offices (SDOs) implement the policy. Because the CSC authorizes agencies to grant this leave "subject to the agency's discretion," some have wondered if teachers could be left out.
However, the CSC Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Legal has explicitly clarified:
Why the Confusion?
The confusion often stems from how individual agencies or Schools Division Offices (SDOs) implement the policy. Because the CSC authorizes agencies to grant this leave "subject to the agency's discretion," some have wondered if teachers could be left out.
However, the CSC Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Legal has explicitly clarified:
"Public school teachers are not excluded from the scope and coverage of the policy."
Because this benefit is distinct from regular leave privileges, it is intended for all government personnel, including those in the teaching service.
Important Reminders for Availment
While you are eligible, there are a few "house rules" to keep in mind to ensure a smooth application process:
• Service Continuity: Agencies must ensure that taking wellness leave does not disrupt regular operations or impede the continuous delivery of services.
• Proper Purpose: Use of the leave must be confined strictly to the purposes prescribed under the CSC policy.
• Agency Guidelines: Always check with your specific SDO for their internal memorandum to see how they schedule and manage these requests.
A Healthier You, A Better Classroom
The goal of the WLP is to ensure that the "Bawat Kawani" (every employee) is treated like a "Lingkod Bayani" (servant hero) by prioritizing mental and physical health. By taking time to recharge, you aren't just helping yourself—you're ensuring you can bring your best energy back to your students.
How to file:
Use the Civil Service Form No. 6 or Application for Leave. Download form HERE.
Because this benefit is distinct from regular leave privileges, it is intended for all government personnel, including those in the teaching service.
Important Reminders for Availment
While you are eligible, there are a few "house rules" to keep in mind to ensure a smooth application process:
• Service Continuity: Agencies must ensure that taking wellness leave does not disrupt regular operations or impede the continuous delivery of services.
• Proper Purpose: Use of the leave must be confined strictly to the purposes prescribed under the CSC policy.
• Agency Guidelines: Always check with your specific SDO for their internal memorandum to see how they schedule and manage these requests.
A Healthier You, A Better Classroom
The goal of the WLP is to ensure that the "Bawat Kawani" (every employee) is treated like a "Lingkod Bayani" (servant hero) by prioritizing mental and physical health. By taking time to recharge, you aren't just helping yourself—you're ensuring you can bring your best energy back to your students.
How to file:
Use the Civil Service Form No. 6 or Application for Leave. Download form HERE.
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