Consultations begin on school calendar shift

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has commenced consultations on reverting to the old academic calendar of June to March, a proposal triggered by the struggle of students and teachers to hold classes during the dry and warm season.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said the DepEd held at its central office a consultation with student groups, parents, teachers and other stakeholders regarding the matter.

“The steps for the plan to return to the old school calendar of public schools are being discussed today in a consultation at the DepEd Central Office. The consultation includes groups of students, parents, other stakeholders and teachers,” TDC said.

While the DepEd has yet to reveal what was tackled, Education Undersecretary Michael Poa told a hearing of the basic education committee of the House of Representatives last Monday that the agency has already concluded its study and simulations on reverting to the old academic calendar.

“We actually got the results and simulations on how to go back to the April-May break. Since we are crafting the policy, consultations are important. We will be scheduling consultations… These things have to be discussed thoroughly,” Poa said.

He added that among those who would be consulted are teachers’ associations, employees unions and private schools.

Due to the lockdown and remote learning mode in schools brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, public schools opened their school year in October of that year. The academic calendar opened in August when full onsite classes resumed last year.

Earlier, various groups called for the return to the old school calendar, citing the heat experienced by students last March and April.

The calls have prompted lawmakers to file a bill seeking to revert to the old school calendar of June to March starting school year 2024-2025, stressing that the current school calendar running from August to June is not appropriate for the country.

During last Monday’s hearing, Poa was asked whether the DepEd was open to shifting to the old calendar and he responded in the affirmative, saying they merely need to comply with consultations needed “as this involves policy