Press Release - Bong Go supports return to old school calendar amid rising heat and concerns raised by students, teachers

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go voiced his support for the Department of Education's (DepEd) intent to revert to the previous school calendar where breaks are held during summer.

The DepEd announced on Tuesday, May 7, that starting next school year (SY), the academic calendar would shift back to its old schedule. This announcement was formalized through Department Order No. 003 S. of 2024, which also set the upcoming school year to begin on July 29, 2024, and conclude on May 16, 2025.

"Talaga namang napakainit ng panahon ngayon. Malaking pasakit ito sa mga guro at estudyante, at nakakaantala sa pag-aaral nila. Unahin dapat natin ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan sa paraang hindi masasakripisyo ang edukasyon," Go said.

The adjustment comes in response to the rising heat index, which has prompted calls for a scheduling overhaul to ensure the safety and comfort of students. Senator Go's endorsement of this shift underscores the importance of balancing the health and well-being of students with the need to ensure quality education.

"As chairperson po ng Committee on Health, una talaga sa akin ay safety, health and welfare ng mga estudyante. At ako po'y natutuwa, as reported, that President Bongbong Marcos is open to the idea na ibalik kaagad sa dating school calendar ang paaralan natin dahil sa tumitinding init po tuwing summer," Go said previously.

According to Go, the strategic shift can accommodate the academic needs of students better while adapting to the changing environmental conditions that the country faces.

"Sa atin pong pagbisita sa maraming lugar para tumugon sa pangangailangan ng marami nating kababayan, nasasaksihan natin kung gaano kalaking parusa, lalo na sa mga musmos, ang tindi na ng singaw ng dingding at kisame sa mga classroom na wala namang aircon. Kaya nagpapasalamat rin tayo sa DepEd dahil sa anunsyong pagpapatupad ng asynchronous classes o distance learning sa mga apektadong pampublikong paaralan dahil sa grabeng init ng panahon sa ilang mga lugar," he said.

"Habang isinusulong natin na makapag-aral ng maayos ang kabataan, siguraduhin din nating ligtas sila mula sa kapahamakan at banta sa kalusugan lalo na't sila ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan.