The Department of Education (DepEd) is reportedly contemplating holding classes on select Saturdays, primarily for distance learning, as it rushes to catch up on the days when classes had to be suspended due to high heat indexes last month.
During a recent hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Culture, Leila Areola, the Director for Curriculum and Instruction at the DepEd's Bureau of Learning Delivery, revealed plans to adjust the school calendar for the upcoming academic year, potentially reducing the number of school days.
Areola proposed starting the school year 2024-2025 on July 29 and concluding it by March 31 the following year.
However, this adjustment would trim the minimum number of school days from 180 to approximately 163.
Responding to inquiries from Committee Chair Roman Romulo, Areola clarified that while there is a law establishing a maximum of 220 school days, there isn't a specific mandate requiring a minimum of 180 days.
She mentioned that the practice of 180 school days has been in place since 1990.
Representative Laarni Lavin Roque suggested reevaluating the 180-day minimum, as it lacks legal backing.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand Millan, President of the Philippine Elementary School Principals Association, expressed support for the calendar changes and proposed incorporating asynchronous learning and nutritional programs for students.
Additionally, Millan advocated for teacher benefits such as health insurance.
In related proceedings, two House committees resolved to summon Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to discuss the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) signed by the DepEd and three other government agencies.
The JMC aims to integrate technical and vocational education and training (TVET) into the senior high school curriculum to enhance students' employability.
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