Students Still Face Five-Day Classes as Government Adopts Four-Day Workweek
DEPED – While some government offices prepare to shift to a four-day workweek, public school students will continue attending classes on their usual schedule.
The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that public school classes will continue under the usual schedule and will not be included in the four-day workweek arrangement recently announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Education Secretary Sonny Angara explained that while the new work setup may apply to certain government offices, it does not extend to classroom activities in public schools. “I don’t believe so, but the DepEd offices are covered,” Angara told The STAR.
The announcement came after President Marcos revealed that some agencies under the executive branch would adopt a four-day workweek starting March 9. The temporary measure aims to help the country cope with the anticipated increase in oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to address the expected surge in petroleum prices in the coming week. By adjusting work arrangements, authorities hope to reduce energy consumption and limit fuel usage for transportation.
Under Memorandum Circular 114, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, government agencies are encouraged to implement a four-day onsite work arrangement. This may be carried out either through a compressed workweek or by assigning a common day for work-from-home arrangements.
The policy, which follows guidelines set by the Civil Service Commission, is designed to lessen building energy load and cut down on fuel consumption related to commuting.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education is also preparing for the end-of-school-year ceremonies across public schools nationwide. Angara recently directed schools to hold “simple yet meaningful” graduation and moving-up ceremonies, reminding officials and parents to follow the department’s strict “no collection” policy.
“While these rites mark a milestone in learners’ lives, they shall be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire or extraordinary venues,” Angara said in his DepEd Memorandum 15, series of 2026, dated March 4.
The education chief also confirmed the schedule of end-of-school-year rites for Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, and Grade 12 learners in public schools. The same applies to students from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) who have successfully met the required curriculum standards for the school year.
“Implementing guidelines on the school calendar and activities, the SY 2025-2026 shall end on March 31, 2026. Thus, the rites shall be conducted on either March 30 or 31, 2026. The theme of the SY 2025-2026 rites shall be ‘Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character,’” he said.
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