Teachers’ groups have expressed their gratitude to the Department of Education (DepEd) following the agency’s approval of a Wellness Break for public school teachers from October 27 to 30, in place of the scheduled In-Service Training (INSET).
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) asserted that educators deserve adequate time to rest, especially after enduring numerous challenges and heavy workloads.
According to TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas, the wellness break is more than just an administrative directive—it is also a recognition of teachers’ needs both as employees and as individuals.
He emphasized that teachers, too, have their limits, and the group welcomed and appreciated DepEd’s decision to heed their call.
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also welcomed the declaration of a wellness break.
In a statement, the ACT-NCR Union described the approval as a victory born from their persistent appeals to the education department.
The group stressed that teachers and school staff truly deserve time to rest, especially amid ongoing natural disasters and their continued struggles with being overworked, underpaid, and undersupported.
However, ACT underscored that while they appreciate the move, the four-day break should not be seen as a solution to the systemic issues affecting the education sector.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DEPED)
