THE DEPARTMENT of Education has declared a four-day “wellness break” for teachers and students from October 27 to 30, giving them time to rest and recover from recent natural calamities and widespread flu cases.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aims to promote the health and well-being of educators and learners, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare of the education community while maintaining quality instruction.

“This is a time to rest, regain strength, and be with your families,” Angara said in a Facebook post written in Filipino. He added that the decision came after several teachers and students appealed for respite amid challenges brought by recent typhoons, earthquakes, and flu outbreaks.

“Many of our teachers and learners come from areas recently affected by calamities or are recovering from illness. We all need to take a short break,” he added.

The wellness break also allows schools to reschedule their midyear In-Service Training (INSET) sessions if necessary. Schools that have already paid for training venues or meals may move the activity to a later date and use the arrangements for other purposes.

DepEd clarified, however, that all INSET and professional development programs must still be conducted within the remaining months of School Year 2025–2026. Teachers who already attended similar sessions earlier in the year will not be required to join again.

After the four-day wellness break and the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day holidays, regular classes will resume on November 3.