ZUBIRI WANTS TO IMMEDIATELY REVERT TO OLD SCHOOL CALENDAR

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday (April 29, 2024) urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to immediately revert to pre-pandemic school calendar instead of having a gradual shift.

“Aside from exposing our students and teachers to the dangers of extreme heat, I honestly believe that the prevailing weather conditions during summer are not conducive to learning,” Zubiri said.

“Kaya kung pwede sana, huwag na natin hintayin ang School Year 2025-2026. Kung kayang ipatupad sa susunod na school year, gawin na natin at kawawa ang ating mga estudyante sa susunod na summer,” the Senate chief added.

Zubiri said he also withdrew Senate Bill No. 788, filed at the start of the 19th Congress, which synchronizes the school year to start in August.

DepEd earlier released a statement that the original proposal of gradual reversion of the school calendar was five years and has now been reduced to two years and further reducing it would have impacts on the students’ learning outcomes.

Some face-to-face classes were suspended due to the high heat index.

(el Amigo/MNM)