DepEd Commits to Return to the Old School Calendar Next Year

The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to adhere to President Marcos’ decision to revert to the old school calendar starting next year, according to an agency official.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas stated, “In our letter to the Office of the President regarding the DepEd’s proposal for reversion to the June-to-March school year, we had already stated that we commit to abide by the President’s decision on the matter.”

The move aims to address the cancellation of classes due to extreme heat, with the President advocating for a return to the traditional June-to-March school calendar as soon as possible.

Details regarding the transition are yet to be disclosed, as Marcos is still reviewing the options presented by the DepEd. However, the shift may involve alternative delivery mode classes on weekends to ensure students’ learning competencies are not compromised.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) welcomed Marcos’ decision but urged for more substantial actions to address educational shortcomings and confront the climate crisis.

Various groups and lawmakers have been advocating for the return to the old school calendar, emphasizing the challenges faced by students during the hot months of March and April.

If approved by Marcos, the transition may abandon the phased approach, with schools projected to open in June and end in April by the school year 2026-2027.

President Marcos has requested a concrete plan from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to expedite the transition, expressing hope for implementation by next year.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need for a smooth transition, highlighting the disruptions caused by extreme heat to face-to-face classes and the importance of restoring normalcy to the school calendar cycle disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.