Teachers Call for “Health Break” from October 27-30, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to declare October 27–30, 2025 as a Health Break for all public school teachers, giving them much-needed time to rest and recuperate before the next half of the school year.

The proposed break would coincide with the students’ mid-school year break, ensuring that learners do not lose valuable contact time while teachers enjoy four uninterrupted days of rest.

Call for Compassion and Balance

In a statement, ACT emphasized that teachers across the country have been grappling with overwhelming workloads, health issues, and burnout due to the demands of classroom teaching, paperwork, and extracurricular responsibilities.

“Our teachers have been tirelessly working since the opening of classes. A short yet meaningful health break will allow them to recover physically and mentally so they can better serve their students,” ACT said.

The group added that the proposed dates would strike a balance between maintaining academic continuity and prioritizing teacher well-being — a vital but often overlooked component of the education system.

A Growing Concern

Over the past years, educators have reported increasing levels of stress, fatigue, and even illness during the school year. Teacher organizations have consistently called for wellness measures, including health breaks, workload rationalization, and more accessible medical benefits.

According to ACT, declaring a formal “health break” would not only boost morale but also help sustain teacher productivity in the long term.

No Lost Learning Time

The group highlighted that their proposal aligns with the students’ academic calendar, ensuring that learning continuity is preserved.

“We are not asking for extra vacation days — only a humane pause that coincides with the students’ break. This is for the health of our teachers and the quality of our education,” the statement continued.

Looking Ahead

DepEd has yet to issue an official response to ACT’s proposal, but the call has already gained significant support among educators on social media, many of whom shared sentiments of exhaustion and the urgent need for rest.

If approved, the October 27–30 Health Break would mark a significant step toward institutionalizing wellness practices for teachers — a move that could set a precedent for future academic years.