Human Rights Online Philippines

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) acknowledges the earlier decision of the Department of Education (DepEd) to gradually revert to the old school calendar, where school break falls during April and May, the hottest months of the year. We express our gratitude for the invitation to several House and Senate hearings on the school calendar issue and for the inclusion of our group in the DepEd consultation on January 16 of this year. Those hearings and consultations resulted in the release of DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2024, which laid the groundwork for the gradual return to our traditional school calendar, specifically the holding of classes for school year 2024-2025 (July 29, 2024 to May 16, 2025).

However, recent observations have revealed concerning effects stemming from classes held in April and May, including extreme heat, health risk for teachers and learners, and the frequent suspension of face-to-face classes. As of this date, the DepEd Central Office has already declared a total of five days of suspension of face-to-face classes on a national level. Not to mention the numerous shifts to alternative delivery modes initiated by local government units and DepEd field offices. Considering these issues, we strongly believe it is now necessary to modify said Order and expedite the return to the June-March school calendar to prevent the recurrence of similar consequences in 2025, as we have experienced in 2023 and continue to endure presently.

We understand the importance of not compromising the end-of-school year break (vacation) of both teachers and students, as the Hon. Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte emphasized in recent media interviews. Hence, our proposal does not seek to interrupt that period, which is a matter of right for our teachers and necessity for our learners. Instead, we aim to shorten the school calendar, a solution that doesn’t compromise the school break.

The adjusted school calendar for SY 2023-2024 only consists of 179 days (August 29, 2023, to May 31, 2024). Notably, the 4th quarter began on April 1 and will conclude on May 31, further shortened by various end-of-school year activities and the suspension of face-to-face classes. Nevertheless, it is theoretically feasible to implement two full months of schooling per quarter.

In light of these considerations, we propose expediting the return to the old calendar, with SY 2024–2025 serving as the transition period. Our suggested timeline involves ending the school year on April 11, 2025, earlier than DepEd’s planned date of May 16, 2025. This arrangement would use only two weeks of April for classes and spare the entire month of May. By our calculations, this approach would cover approximately 174 days, not far from the 179 days of the current academic year (SY 2023–2024). If there is a shortfall, DepEd could explore solutions, such as implementing 10 asynchronous Saturday classes to meet the traditional 180-day requirement.

If given consideration, we believe that this proposal offers the most effective response to the current crisis. It ensures that teachers’ and students’ vacations remain uncompromised and alleviates concerns regarding the intense heat in April and May. Additionally, it allows for the optimization of face-to-face classes without frequent delays.

Thank you very much!

-Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC)
(April 29, 2024 during the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Briefing on the basic education school calendar)

For details/reference:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
09273356375