June-March academic calendar back in 2025

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Education (DepEd) has agreed with school officials, teachers, students and parents to start classes for the coming school year (SY) 2024-2025 on July 29 as part of the gradual return to the old June-March academic calendar that would fully take hold three school years from now.

Speaking to The STAR, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) confirmed that teachers, students and school superintendents reached a “unanimous decision” with the DepEd to gradually revert to the old academic calendar, a plan that could possibly see a shortened school break for students and teachers for SY 2025-2026.

Stressing that none of the agreed-upon terms have been declared final, ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua said SY 2024-2025 would begin classes on July 29, while classes would “hopefully” begin by the third week of June by SY 2025-2026.

Quetua explained that the 60-day school break for SY 2025-2026 could be shortened by 15 days for classes to start by the first week of June in SY 2026-2027, thus fully reverting to the old academic calendar.

“Generally, the decision was unanimous yesterday among stakeholders, especially students, parents, teachers and the federation of superintendents… We met in the middle to not abruptly revert to the old calendar,” he said.

DepEd on Tuesday held in its central office a consultation with student groups, parents, teachers and other stakeholders regarding the matter.

The STAR sought DepEd officials’ comments on the implementation, but they have yet to respond.

In a statement, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) chairman Benjo Basas confirmed the results of the consultation and said that DepEd needs to amend its previous order on the new academic calendar to implement the changes discussed during the meeting.

“We are thankful to the DepEd that they heard our calls this time. We expect the immediate release of the policy on this matter,” Basas said.

Meanwhile, Quetua said DepEd assured teachers that the cut in the 60-day school break would be added to their service credits.

He added the agency would hold more consultations and convene all stakeholders for a final meeting before releasing the policy on the gradual