The Department of Education (DepEd) is gearing up for a significant shift in the school calendar, with plans to open the 2025-2026 school year in June. This change marks an acceleration in DepEd’s timetable, as the upcoming school year 2024-2025 will commence on July 29 and conclude on March 31, 2025.
This accelerated timetable, announced last February under Department Order No. 003 S. of 2024, reflects DepEd’s intention to gradually revert to the traditional school calendar. Originally, the 2024-2025 academic year was slated to run from July 29 to May 16, 2025. However, the decision to end the school year earlier than planned highlights DepEd’s “aggressive shift” towards a June start date for subsequent academic years. Consequently, the 2024-2025 school year will consist of only 163 days, falling short of the usual 180 days.
To address this shortfall, DepEd is exploring various measures, including the possibility of holding Saturday classes. DepEd-Bureau of Learning Delivery chief Leila Areola presented this option during a recent hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Culture. This proposal aims to ensure that students receive the required instructional time despite the shortened school year.
Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, chair of the basic education and culture panel, expressed strong support for DepEd’s initiative. He emphasized that returning to the traditional school calendar is a practical response to the extreme heat experienced during the summer months, adversely affecting both students and teachers.
“Again, so we would be clear, this is the fault of nobody but it truly is hot,” Romulo remarked. “Our students and teachers are experiencing difficulty. It is good that DepEd has this aggressive push to return to the old school calendar.”
The decision to shift back to a June school opening aligns with historical practices in the Philippines, where the academic year traditionally started in June before the pandemic prompted adjustments to the school calendar. The new timetable is expected to alleviate the challenges of high temperatures, creating a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers alike.
As DepEd prepares for this transition, stakeholders, including educators and parents, are encouraged to collaborate and support the initiatives to ensure a smooth implementation. The shift to a June school opening represents a significant step towards normalizing the academic calendar and enhancing the overall educational experience for Filipino students.