PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the declaration of May 16 as “Education Support Personnel Day.”

This will be observed as a special working holiday in recognition of the non-teaching personnel in the education sector.

“To ensure the meaningful observance and celebration of this day, the heads of national government agencies and government-owned and/or -controlled corporations involved in education, local government units, and private sector employers involved in education are encouraged to allow their respective personnel to participate in any related activity to be held within the premises of their respective offices or establishments,” the law states.

Under Republic Act No. 12178, Education Support Personnel refers to persons employed in teaching-related or non-teaching positions in any public or private school, college, university, or other educational institution.

“Makakaasa si Pangulong Marcos at ang taong bayan sa tuloy-tuloy na suporta at pagkilala sa ating non-teaching personnel para sa pagpapaunlad ng ating edukasyon,” the Department of Education said.