The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that there will be no classes in public schools from October 27 to 30, 2025, to allow teachers and students a “wellness break.” This decision comes amid the recent calamities that have affected parts of the country and the increasing spread of flu-like illnesses.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the break is intended to provide a necessary pause for recovery from the stress and strain of recent natural disasters, such as the typhoon and earthquake, as well as health concerns.

“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 said.

Adjustments to Midyear INSET

Following the declaration of the wellness break, DepEd has also rescheduled the midyear In-Service Training (INSET), which was originally set for the same period (October 27–30).

DepEd has provided the following guidelines for the rescheduled INSET:

Voluntary Continuation: Schools and divisions that have already finalized arrangements (paid for venues and meals) for the INSET may still push through with the activity voluntarily. Teachers who choose to join these pre-arranged sessions will no longer be required to attend similar training later in the school year.
Alternative Dates: Schools are given the discretion to adjust their schedules for INSET in coordination with their respective schools division and regional offices.
Requirement: DepEd emphasized that INSET and other professional development programs must still be conducted on other preferred dates within the remaining days of School Year 2025–2026.

Public school classes are set to resume on November 3, 2025, following the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.