Considering that the public and private education system had 22.8 million in School Year 2023-2024, the number of enrollees this year would even be more.
And yet, there is nothing definite yet as to when schools will open for SY 2024-2025 because teachers and other influential people want to revert the school opening to June instead of August, which was what happened in in 2023.
It is important that the Department of Education (DepEd) makes a firm and final position now and set the guidelines so that all schools can prepare early their facilities, teaching and non-teaching staff and other requisites, particularly books, desks and sprucing up the buildings and other facilities for a wholesome learning environment in public schools.
Yet as of January 18, DepEd is still “finalizing” the guidelines for the school opening and would make the announcement during the delivery of the Basic Education Report by month’s end, admitted DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesman Michael Poa.
Opposing sides
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement, acknowledged DepEd’s “favorable response” to the clamor of teachers and the general public to revert to the old school calendar prior to the pandemic in June.
But Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro, 2nd District), is pushing for retaining the present August start.
He said the rainy season, mostly in June to March (the old calendar), exposes the children to sickness.
Rodriguez also pointed out that the weather during the said period poses risks to children’s safety due to climate hazards.
“Let’s not expose our students and children to more rain, more flooding and more rainy weather-linked risks. The young — those in pre-school, kindergarten and in the grades — are the most vulnerable,” he added.
The lawmaker likewise said that the current August to May school year aligns with the school calendars of many countries (the very same reason that Congress used to push the Kindergarten to Grade 12 program)which was one of the reasons for the shift in schedule.
“It enhances collaboration among Philippine and foreign schools and fosters faculty, personnel and student exchanges,” Rodriguez claimed.
His congressional peer, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte) said returning the school calendar to June-March“is a huge leap forward for our students, parents, and teachers” amid worsening climate change. He also noted that going back to the old school calendar would be a big boost to domestic tourism.
“With the worsening climate change, they need not suffer under extreme conditions and risk their health,” Barbers said.
“With summer vacation returning, our domestic tourism will have a most needed boost as families can again enjoy going on vacations around the country, a tradition that was lost when the school calendar was changed years ago. This will greatly contribute to the recovery of the economy.”
Barbers added that the old school calendar could allow the youth to help their parents whose livelihood involves farming during harvest time, as he expressed the hope that Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte would heed such a call.
“Children can enjoy playing outside once again, something they lost when the break fell during the rainy season. Playing is vital in the social formation of the children. It is not a trivial matter and we know that VP Sara fully understands. Let us all hope that she will make the right decision in restoring our culture and traditions,” he said.
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