Teachers and students nationwide will have an extended rest next week after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the implementation of a mid-school year wellness break from October 27 to 30, 2025.
DepEd said the wellness break aims to give teachers recovery time and allow schools to adjust the schedule of the midyear In-Service Training (INSET) after the break.
“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,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
“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 announcement 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 protecting the health and well-being of teachers and learners.
For schools and divisions that have already paid for venues and meals for INSET during the scheduled break, DepEd said these may be rescheduled or repurposed. If rescheduling is not feasible, the activities may still push through voluntarily, and participating teachers will no longer be required to attend similar trainings later in the school year.
Schools have been given discretion to adjust their schedules in coordination with their respective Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and Regional Offices (ROs). DepEd reminded that INSET and professional development programs must still be conducted on other suitable dates within School Year 2025–2026.
INSET is a structured professional development program that helps teachers and school leaders enhance their skills, stay updated with new teaching methods, and improve learning outcomes.
Classes will resume on November 3, 2025, following the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.
