By Ace Dizon

The school year (SY) 2023-2024 would end early as per an order released by the Department of Education (DepEd) on February 19, Monday, to give way to the gradual shift to the old school calendar.

DepEd issued DepEd Order (D.O.) No. 03, Series (S) of 2024, amending the D.O. No. 22, S. 2023, which changed the days of school activities and indicated the end of school year to be slated for May 31 instead of June 14.

The third quarter examination would be held on March 25 and 26 while the fourth quarter examination would be conducted on May 16 and 17.

The end of school year rites are scheduled to be held from May 29 to 31, but should there be any instance that the date must be moved, DepEd will allow schools to conduct these on June 1, but only after consultation with the teachers and parents.

The National Learning Camp would run within three weeks from July 1 to 19. Other Central Office-managed co-curricular activities were also rescheduled to be done during the school break. 

Palarong Pambansa will be held from July 6 to 17. Meanwhile, the National Festival of Talents and National Schools Press Conference were both scheduled to commence from July 9 to 13, and the Learners’ Convergence would be launched from July 9 to 15.

The school break would be from June 1 until July 26, while Brigada Eskwela would occur from July 22 to 27. 

DepEd also announced that the SY 2024-2025 would start on July 29, 2024 and would end on May 16, 2025. They noted that no voluntary or mandatory tasks should be given to teachers during their 30-day break on June 1 to 30.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas clarified in a public briefing that private schools have the option to keep their current approved calendar or shift along with DepEd.

“Yung mga private schools na sumabay sa public schools na nag-open ng August, hindi naman sila mandatory na mag-adjust ng kanila school calendars. They still have the option to maintain their approved calendar or adjust accordingly,” he explained.

Factors affecting the shift

DepEd decided to revert to its old calendar, with classes held from June to March, because of temperature concerns.

This shift is a way for DepEd to acknowledge the health, safety, and well-being of learners and teachers, as it is in line with their MATATAG agenda—“TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment.”

Before issuing the order, DepEd had gathered insights from stakeholders and results of related studies regarding the issue to ensure that their solution would satisfy their concerns.

“Alongside the resounding consensus from extensive consultations with teachers, learners, and relevant stakeholders, the same call is echoed by the findings of the study conducted by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) titled Analysis of the Basic Education School Year Calendar in the Philippines: Inputs to Policy,” DepEd wrote.

Gradual transition

DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa said before that should a transition of school calendar take place, it would not happen instantly. 

“In fact, from the findings given to me, [the school calendar transition] will take at least three to around five years,” he said before the start of the school year 2023 to 2024.

DepEd expects that by SY 2026 to 2027, the academic calendar will start in June and end in April.

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