DepEd and Stakeholders Consider Gradual Return to Traditional June-March School Calendar

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has expressed their gratitude to the Department of Education (DepEd) for responding positively to their request to revert to the old school calendar system. This means that the public school cycle will commence in June and will end in March the following year.

The DepEd officials confirmed this during the consultation held at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City last January 15. The school calendar will return to the June-March cycle by the school year 2025-2026, following the DepEd plan noted by stakeholders, and classes for the current school year will end on May 31, 2024, instead of June 14.

The TDC, who advocated for the proposal, appreciated the DepEd's move to revert to the old cycle, which was mainly due to the extreme heat experienced by teachers and learners last year, causing some to become ill or faint. The TDC submitted their proposal and requested a discussion on the subject in two separate letters to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte last year, and they were pleased with the recent consultation.

TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas, who was present during the meeting, appreciated the DepEd officials' willingness to listen to their concerns and find a solution that will benefit teachers and students alike. However, TDC also insisted on other demands such as granting teachers service credits or overtime payment for extra work rendered, health breaks every quarter, clear policy on catch-up Fridays, and the assurance of a 60-day annual school break in accordance with existing policies. They hope that the DepEd will address these concerns and issues a policy amending the previous DepEd Order soon.

The TDC's advocacy for the school calendar change is a reminder that teachers are not just educators but are also advocates for the welfare of their students and themselves. The DepEd's response is a recognition of the challenges that teachers and students face and the importance of addressing these concerns to ensure quality education for all.