Sara Duterte Gives Reasons Why Reverting to Previous School Calendar Cannot Be Implemented Early
SARA DUTERTE – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte clarifies the reasons behind the necessity to avoid hastening the return to the previous school calendar.
Sara Duterte emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of both teachers and students in discussions regarding the return to the traditional school calendar. She argued that rushing this transition would compromise the essential rest periods required for teachers and learners alike.
Speaking in Filipino during an impromptu interview after a joint event of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Go Negosyo on Monday, Duterte stated, “We cannot compromise the rest period of our teachers and learners. We cannot conduct continuous classes because they need rest.”
DepEd had previously announced a gradual reintroduction of the old school break, starting from the upcoming academic year, with May 31, 2024, set as the adjusted end date for the current school year through Department Order No. 003 S. of 2024.
According to this directive, the academic year 2024 to 2025 will commence on Monday, July 29, and conclude on Friday, May 16, 2025. Consequently, it is projected that the academic calendar will conclude on April 2 for the school year 2026 to 2027 and eventually in March for the school year 2027 to 2028.
In response to these changes, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) acknowledged the gradual transition but called on DepEd to implement measures to protect teachers and students from extreme heat. Suggestions from the TDC include shortening face-to-face classes and allowing teachers to wear comfortable clothing, among other recommendations.
In line with these concerns, DepEd announced on Sunday that all public schools nationwide must shift to asynchronous classes or distance learning starting from April 8. This decision aims to assist students in completing their pending assignments, projects, and other academic requirements.
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