Sara Duterte Provides Reasons for Why Reverting to Previous School Calendar Can’t Be Rushed
SARA DUTERTE – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte revealed the reason why the return to the old school calendar cannot be rushed.
Duterte stressed the importance of considering the well-being of teachers and learners when discussing the return to the traditional school calendar. She stated that rushing this transition is not feasible because it would compromise the necessary rest periods for both teachers and students.
“We cannot compromise the rest period of our teachers and learners. We cannot conduct continuous classes because they need rest,” Duterte made these remarks in Filipino during an ambush interview following a joint event of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Go Negosyo on Monday.
DepEd previously announced the gradual reintroduction of the old school break, starting from the next academic year, with May 31, 2024, designated as the adjusted end date for the current school year through Department Order No. 003 S. of 2024.
According to this order, the school year 2024 to 2025 will commence on Monday, July 29, and conclude on Friday, May 16, 2025. Subsequently, it is anticipated 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 urged DepEd to implement measures to safeguard teachers and students from extreme heat. Suggestions from the TDC include shortening face-to-face classes and permitting teachers to wear comfortable clothing, among others.
Aligning with these concerns, DepEd announced on Sunday that all public schools nationwide must adopt 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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