Schools urged to return to traditional calendar - Students, families, and tourism stand to benefit
Calls are growing for the Department of Education (DepEd) to revert to the old school calendar (June-March) starting in 2024-2025. Supporters, including lawmakers, say this shift would provide numerous benefits:
- Improved learning environment: With climate change concerns rising, avoiding the heat of April and May would create a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers.
- Boost to tourism: Restoring summer holidays could revitalize domestic tourism, allowing families to vacation freely and contribute to the economic recovery.
- Support for farming families: Children could assist their families during harvest season, fostering cultural traditions and supporting rural livelihoods.
- Enhanced social development: Playtime during sunny months is crucial for children's social and emotional development, which was hampered by the rainy season breaks.
Proponents, like Representative Robert Ace Barbers, express confidence that Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte will consider this proposal, recognizing the importance of tradition and cultural practices.