The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a mid-school year wellness break for teachers and learners from October 27 to 30, 2025, allowing schools to give teachers time to rest and to adjust the schedule of their midyear In-Service Training (INSET) after the break.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the decision follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the well-being of teachers. The wellness break aims to give both educators and students time to recover from the effects of recent natural disasters and the spread of flu-like illnesses.
“Sa linggo-linggo nating pagbisita sa mga paaralan, naririnig namin ang panawagan ng ating mga guro. Minabuti na natin na mabigyan sila ng oras para magpahinga at magkaroon ng dagdag na oras kasama ang kanilang pamilya,” Secretary Angara said.
“Marami sa ating mga guro at mag-aaral ay galing sa mga lugar na tinamaan ng bagyo at lindol o may mga kaso ng trangkaso. Kaya sabi nga natin, konting pahinga muna. Mas makakapagtrabaho tayo nang maayos kung maayos din ang pakiramdam natin,” he added.
The wellness break modifies certain provisions of DepEd Memorandum–Office of the Undersecretary for Learning Systems–2025-095, in line with Department Order No. 12, s. 2025, reaffirming DepEd’s commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of teachers and learners.
For schools or divisions that have already paid for venues or meals for INSET during the break, these arrangements may be rescheduled or repurposed. If rescheduling is not feasible, activities may continue voluntarily, and teachers who participate will not be required to attend similar trainings later in the school year.
Schools may adjust their schedules in coordination with their respective Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and Regional Offices (ROs). DepEd also reminded schools to conduct INSET and other professional development programs on alternative dates within the school year.
Classes will resume on November 3, 2025, following the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
