BACOLOD City – The Department of Education (DepEd) is holding consultations with teachers and parents about the possibility of shifting the school year’s start back to June, potentially from the 2025-2026 school year.
Ian Arnold Arnaiz, the public information officer for DepEd-Negros Occidental, said that one of the main reasons for considering this change is the summer heat.
He noted that last year, several students experienced heat-related illnesses, such as nosebleeds, due to high temperatures in classrooms.
According to Arnaiz, the heat adversely affects student performance, as they struggle to concentrate on their studies.
Following these incidents, a significant number of parents and teachers have advocated for a return to the traditional June-to-March school calendar, which they believe offers more favorable weather conditions.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the need for careful consideration before any changes are made, recalling the impacts of the previous shift to an August school opening.
On Jan. 29, DepEd confirmed its plans to amend an existing department order in preparation for a gradual return to the June school start. This decision follows numerous complaints about the challenges of conducting classes during the hotter months of April and May.
During a session of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, DepEd Director IV Leila Areola revealed that a draft amendment to Department Order No. 22, Series of 2023, was underway. This amendment would enable schools across the nation to transition back to the June-to-March academic calendar by the 2025-2026 school year.
Areola added that while consultations with various stakeholders have begun, the department is also seeking input from school division offices. (With a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)/PN
