DepEd Declares Two-Day Wellness Break for Public School Teachers

 

Public school teachers will receive a two-day wellness break on September 14 and 15 as the Department of Education reinforces the importance of rest before the next phase of the academic year.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the break is intended to give teachers time to recover from the demands of the first school term and prepare for the succeeding period. The department emphasized that the two days should function as an actual pause from official duties, rather than another period for school-related work.

Regional offices, schools division offices and individual schools have been directed to protect the break. Teachers should not be required to participate in meetings, training sessions, school programs or other official activities during the designated dates.

The measure comes under the country’s revised three-term school calendar. The first term covers June through September, followed by a second term from September to December and a third term running from January to March.

The three-term structure forms part of DepEd’s broader effort to improve basic education delivery. By dividing the academic year into more manageable periods, the department aims to give schools greater room for instructional planning while strengthening support for teachers and improving the implementation of the K-12 curriculum.

For educators, the September break provides a needed reset between academic periods. DepEd’s directive makes clear that the time is intended for genuine rest, giving teachers an opportunity to recharge before classroom responsibilities resume under the second term.