Education secretary’ Sonny ‘Angara. (Photo from the Philippine News Agency)
To give way for a’ wellness break’ amid recent calamities that struck various parts of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that here will be no classes in public schools from October 27 to 30.
In making the announcement, education secretary Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara clarified that the break aims to give teachers and learners a much-needed pause to recover from the strain of recent natural disasters and the spread of flu-like illnesses.
“Many of our teachers and students come from areas affected by the typhoon and earthquake, or are dealing with cases of the flu. That’s why, as we said, let’s take a short break first. We can work better when we’re also feeling well,” Angara pointed out.
Following the declaration, DepEd also rescheduled the conduct of the midyear In-Service Training (INSET), which was originally set in the same period as the wellness recess.
In the meantime, Angara informed those schools and divisions that had already paid for venues and meals for INSET may move the activity to another date or use the arrangements for other purposes.
“If not feasible, the activities may still push through voluntarily and teachers who join will no longer be required to attend similar training sessions later in the school year,” the secretary cited.
As to when the INSET will be conducted, he added that schools are given discretion to adjust their schedules in coordination with their respective schools division and regional offices. He reminded them that INSET and professional development programs should still be conducted on other preferred dates within the remaining days of School Year 2025–2026.
In ending, he pronounced that classes will resume on November 3, 2025, following the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.