Manila, Feb. 13 -- Public school teachers and non-teaching personnel can now avail of a five-day wellness leave per year, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday.

Wellness leave is a leave benefit on top of the existing vacation and sick leaves, which can be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or a restorative break from work.

The grant of wellness leave is in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the welfare and protect the mental health of Filipinos, including those in the education sector.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stressed the significance of the said measure, considering the growing demand in teaching and administrative work.

"Kinikilala natin na ...