Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Wellness Leave Policy for DepEd Personnel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Wellness Leave Policy for DepEd Personnel

(Based on DepEd Order No. 02, s. 2026)

1. What is the Wellness Leave?

Wellness Leave refers to the type of leave that may be availed by personnel for purposes including, but not limited to, mental health care, physical wellness activities, or a general break from work.

2. Who may avail of Wellness Leave?

This policy applies to all eligible DepEd officials and employees in the Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and schools and community learning centers (CLCs), regardless of employment status (permanent, temporary, coterminous, contractual, etc.).

This also covers Contract of Service (COS) or Job Order (JO) personnel directly contracted by the Department, subject to the provisions under Section VI of these guidelines. Personnel engaged through an agency/firm (i.e., manpower services) and LGU-funded personnel are excluded.

3. When does the policy take effect?

DepEd Order (DO) No. 02, s. 2026 was officially issued on February 13, 2026 and took effect immediately upon issuance.

Contracts of COS/JO personnel effective January 2026 onwards are entitled to WL. Any leave of absence filed prior to the issuance of the DO shall be charged against the existing leave credits of the employee.

4. Can Wellness Leave be taken consecutively?

Yes, but only up to three (3) consecutive days at a time.

5. When should the leave be filed?

The application shall be filed at least five (5) days before the intended leave, except in emergency situations, wherein filing may be done immediately upon return.

6. Can unused Wellness Leave be converted to cash?

No. Wellness Leave is non-cumulative, non-commutable to cash, and forfeited if not used within the year.

7. Can the teacher avail of Wellness Leave during class days?

Yes. School Head shall assign relievers. Teachers with relieving duties shall be eligible to overload pay, subject to existing guidelines (DO No. 005, s. 2024).

8. Does Wellness Leave affect overtime eligibility?

Yes. Wellness Leave days are considered leave days and do not count toward the required 40-hour work week for overtime eligibility.

9. Is a medical certificate required?

No. Unlike Sick Leave, no medical certificate is required.

10. May Wellness Leave be used for travel, including travel abroad?

Yes, subject to compliance with Travel Authority (TA) guidelines. An approved TA must accompany the Wellness Leave form.

Note: References include DepEd Order (DO) No. 043, s. 2022 (Omnibus Travel Guidelines for the Department of Education) and DO No. 046, s. 2022 (Amendments to DO No. 043, s. 2022).

11. Is a Letter of Intent (LOI) required?

No. Submission of Letter of Intent is not required. Only the prescribed leave application form (CSC Form 6) must be submitted.

12. How is Wellness Leave filed and approved?

• Use CSC Form No. 6.
• Indicate under "Others" (Item 6.A): Wellness Leave (CSC MC No. 01, s. 2026).
• Follow existing approval authorities.
• HRMO tracks remaining leave credits.
• For COS and JO personnel, use Annex A of DepEd Order No. 02, s. 2026.
• Effective January 2027, Wellness Leave shall be included in all COS/JO contracts.
• Wellness Leave availed by COS/JO personnel shall be without salary deduction (with full pay).

READ: Guide to the New 5-Day Wellness Leave for Teachers