The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed during its regular session on June 15, 2026, at the People’s Hall of the Provincial Capitol a proposed ordinance institutionalizing a Wellness Leave Policy in the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) extending the wellness leave benefit not only to permanent and casual employees but also to qualified Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) personnel.
The measure, authored by Board Members Eunice Galima-Gambol, Emerlene Jane Galanta Martinez, and Leonard Clemens L. Cadoy, seeks to establish a wellness leave benefit for provincial government workers to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The proposed ordinance is currently awaiting the approval of Governor Jose V. Gambito.
The proposal is anchored on the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly Sections 15 and 16 of Article II, which recognize the State’s duty to protect and promote the right to health and to instill health consciousness among the people. It is likewise aligned with Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 2501292 and CSC Memorandum Circular No. 01, Series of 2026, which adopted the Wellness Leave Policy for government officials and employees.
The proposed ordinance also supports the objectives of the Mental Health Act, and recognizes the importance of employee wellness in ensuring an efficient, responsive, and productive public service.
Under the measure, Wellness Leave is defined as a leave benefit of up to five (5) days annually that may be utilized for mental health care, physical wellness, stress reduction, or a general restorative break. The leave is separate and distinct from vacation and sick leave benefits and may be availed of for a maximum of three (3) consecutive days at a time or on separate, non-consecutive days throughout the year.
The proposed ordinance shall apply to all officials and employees of the PGNV, whether permanent, casual, coterminous, and likewise provides that Contract of Service and Job Order personnel who have been continuously engaged by the provincial government for at least six (6) months and are not hired under project-based contracts may be granted the benefit, subject to the terms and conditions stipulated in their respective contracts and consistent with applicable CSC rules and regulations.
In supporting the measure, the SP recognized that safeguarding the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of government workers contributes to improved morale, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced delivery of public services to Novo Vizcayanos.
Once approved, the proposed policy is expected to strengthen the PGNV’s commitment to promoting a healthy, resilient, and people-centered workforce while advancing employee welfare and organizational effectiveness. /bgl
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