Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially signed a new law declaring May 16 as 'Education Support Personnel Day', establishing it as a special working holiday to recognize the contributions of non-teaching personnel in the education sector. The legislation, known as Republic Act (RA) 12178, was signed on April 15.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education have been appointed as the lead agencies to organize and execute an annual program of activities to observe the National Education Support Personnel Day. The law encourages heads of national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, local government units, and private sector employers involved in education to allow their staff to participate in activities related to the observance, which are to be held on the premises of their respective offices or establishments.

The newly enacted RA 12178 defines education support personnel as those employed in teaching-related or non-teaching positions within any public or private educational institution. This includes a wide range of roles such as teaching assistants, registrars, librarians, doctors, nurses, division counselors, counselor associates, guidance counselors, psychologists, clerks, and other professional, administrative, technical, and general staff who provide essential support to both learners and teaching personnel.

To ensure the implementation of RA 12178, necessary funding will be allocated through the annual General Appropriations Act. The act, which was made public on Friday, will take effect 15 days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.