Observance of the Two-Day Wellness Break for Teachers

Observance of the Two-Day Wellness Break for Teachers

Public school teachers nationwide are set to receive a much-deserved pause from their academic duties following the conclusion of their first term, as the Department of Education (DepEd) officially schedules a two-day Wellness Break for next week.

Based on a memorandum released by the Office of the Secretary dated September 8, 2026, the two-day Wellness Break will be observed on September 14 and 15, 2026. The directive, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, aims to give educators time to rest, recuperate, and prioritize their personal well-being before the second term commences.

The implementation of this break is in accordance with DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2026, which outlines the guidelines for the newly adopted Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education.

To guarantee that the break serves its true purpose, the central office has laid down a strict "no-work" policy during these two days. The memorandum explicitly prohibits requiring teachers to attend meetings, trainings, or Learning Action Cell (LAC) sessions. Furthermore, school activities, reporting, submissions, and asynchronous deliverables are strictly forbidden.

School heads and field officials are also directed to be mindful when scheduling activities immediately before and after the break to ensure the teachers' downtime is fully preserved.

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Full Text of the Memorandum

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

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Observance of the Two-Day Wellness Break for Teachers

TO	:	Regional Directors Schools Division Superintendents Public Elementary and Secondary School Heads All Others Concerned
FROM	:	SONNY ANGARA Secretary
SUBJECT	:	Observance of the Two-Day Wellness Break for Teachers
DATE	:	September 8, 2026

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In accordance with DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2026, titled Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education, a Wellness Break is provided for teachers after each term to allow them time to rest, recuperate, and attend to their personal well-being before the start of the succeeding term. For Term 1, the two-day Wellness Break shall be observed on September 14–15, 2026.

Regional offices, schools division offices, and schools are therefore urged to respect and protect these two days as a genuine break for teachers. No meetings, trainings, Learning Action Cell sessions, school activities, reporting, submissions, asynchronous deliverables, or other official work shall be required of teachers during the Wellness Break.

School heads and field officials are encouraged to exercise care in scheduling activities immediately before and after the break so that its intended purpose is preserved.

Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Memorandum is directed.

JMC_MD_Observance of the Two-Day Wellness Break for Teachers
(G-081) - September 8, 2026