The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition reiterated its support for the return of the traditional June to March school calendar, citing better learning conditions and climate considerations as the Department of Education (DepEd) prepares to implement a revised academic calendar.
Benjo Basas, national chairman of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, made the statement during an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos” on Monday, June 1, as he discussed preparations for the upcoming school opening next week under the adjusted calendar.
Basas said the group had actively pushed for the restoration of the June-to-March academic year, noting that environmental conditions played a key role in their position.
He said that based on discussions during congressional hearings and input from experts, rainy season conditions are generally more manageable for classroom learning compared to the extreme heat experienced in April and May, which previously coincided with the school break.
“Kahit sa mga scientist, yung during the congressional hearings, lumalabas naman po, mas endurable yung ulan kesa yung matinding init ng April at Mayo sa classroom,” Basas said, noting that any difference in impact between schedules was minimal but that the June-to-March calendar remained more favorable.
He also pointed to cultural and seasonal traditions, noting that many local festivals and Holy Week observances fall within March and April, which he said should also be considered in planning the academic calendar.
Basas said the return to the June-to-March setup is “more advantageous overall” compared to the schedule adopted during the pandemic period starting in 2020.
Earlier, DepEd formally adopted a revised school calendar for basic education under DepEd Order No. 9, series of 2026, setting the opening of classes for School Year 2026–2027 on June 8, 2026, and the end of classes on April 8, 2027.
DepEd said the updated calendar adopts a three-term structure aimed at optimizing instructional time, streamlining school activities, and strengthening the implementation of the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, in line with the government’s broader education reform agenda.
