DEPED RELEASES UPDATED ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The author is Teacher II at Sto. Niño Elementary School, San Simon District, Division of Pampanga Restoring the school calendar to the pre-pandemic April–May break is a laudable step toward bringing the education system back to normal. This was decided by the Department of Education (DepEd). This modification is a deliberate reaction to the changing requirements and worries that parents, instructors, and students have in the wake of the world health crisis. In order to allow students enough time for relaxation and renewal following a challenging academic year, DepEd has decided to prolong the school year to May 31 and schedule breaks from June 1 to July 26. In addition to giving students time to rest, this prolonged vacation gives teachers a chance to plan forward and pursue professional growth without having to worry about taking on more work in June. The choice to base these modifications on stakeholder engagements and an extensive study carried out by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) highlights DepEd's dedication to evidence-based policymaking. By taking into account the viewpoints of educators and administrators and using comparative studies of school calendars around Asia to gain insights, DepEd exemplifies a comprehensive approach to decision-making that puts the interests of all parties involved first. In the long run, DepEd's proposal to progressively return to the April-May break by SY 2026– 2027 strikes a sensible balance between pressing issues and long-term objectives. This phased approach minimizes disruptions and ensures alignment with pre-pandemic norms, allowing for a smooth adjustment period. All things considered, DepEd's move to change the school calendar is a step in the right direction toward bringing stability and continuity back to the educational system. By putting educators' and students' welfare first and utilizing data-driven insights, DepEd lays a solid basis for the future of education in the Philippines.