THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has directed schools to observe a two-day wellness break for teachers on September 14 and 15, 2026, giving educators time to rest and attend to their personal well-being before the start of the next term.

In a memorandum dated September 8, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the wellness break is in line with DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2026, which provides guidelines for the implementation of the three-term school calendar in basic education.

DepEd said regional offices, schools division offices, and schools must ensure that the two-day period serves as a genuine break for teachers.

During the wellness break, teachers should not be required to attend meetings, trainings, or Learning Action Cell (LAC) sessions. Schools are also prohibited from requiring teachers to perform official duties, including school activities, report submissions, and asynchronous deliverables.

School heads and field officials were likewise advised to carefully schedule activities immediately before and after the break to preserve its intended purpose.

Under the three-term school calendar, a wellness break is provided after each term to give teachers an opportunity to rest and recuperate before the succeeding term begins.