Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
by Miriam G.Desacada
To further strengthen workplace strategies in line with Republic Act No. 11036 (the Mental Health Act), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved up to five (5) days of Wellness Leave (WL) for eligible government officials and employees.
Under CSC Resolution No. 2501292, the Commission cited provisions of Joint Administrative Order No. 2023-000 issued together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Health (DOH), which designates mental health as a priority area for workplace health promotion interventions.
This action follows findings from the 2025 Global Workplace Report that Filipino workers have the second‑highest stress levels in Southeast Asia, driven by unhealthy lifestyles and heavy workloads. These findings highlight the need for workplace policies that promote both mental and physical well‑being.
“The Wellness Leave is a proactive response to the realities faced by our workforce today. By giving employees the space to rest, recover, and care for themselves, we reinforce a public service environment that is compassionate, resilient, and more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people,” CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Ya
Wellness Leave Guidelines (CSC Resolution No. 2501292)
To support the implementation of Wellness Leave (WL) for government officials and employees, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the following guidelines:
- Availment Period
- May be taken consecutively for a maximum of 3 days at a time or on separate non‑consecutive days.
- Non‑cumulative and non‑commutable; any unused WL days are forfeited at the end of the calendar year.
- Allowable Purposes
- Mental health care (e.g., counseling, therapy sessions).
- Physical wellness activities (e.g., exercise, yoga, medical check‑ups).
- General break from work for recovery and rejuvenation.
- WL is distinct from Vacation Leave and Sick Leave, intended solely for wellness and recovery.
- Application and Approval
- Recommended by the immediate supervisor.
- Submitted to the head of office for approval.
- Filing procedure mirrors that of Vacation Leave and Sick Leave adopted by the agency.
- Notice requirement: File application at least 5 days before the intended WL date.
- Emergency cases: File immediately upon return to work.
- Confidentiality
- All information related to an employee’s mental health condition (if disclosed) shall be treated with strict confidentiality in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
- Effectivity
- The policy takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation, followed by an advisory announcing the official publication and effectivity date.
- CSC Commitment
- The Commission reaffirms its dedication to fostering a healthy, supportive, and enabling work environment that cultivates resilience, uplifts morale, and strengthens the civil service’s capacity to deliver excellent, compassionate service to the public—recognizing that a well‑nourished workforce is essential to effective public sector performance.
For further details, government agencies and employees may refer to CSC Resolution No. 2501292, which will be posted on the CSC website upon publication.
