The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a new memorandum, stating that the end of the school year for public schools in the country will be moved to May 31, 2024. 

Additionally, the start of the next school year, 2024-2025, will be on July 29, 2024, a month earlier than the previous schedule.

"May mga araw talaga na nabawas dahil nga sa napaaga ngayon... Siyempre, bilang sa DepEd hindi naman namin papayagan na mako-kompromiso 'yung mga competencies na dapat na maibigay sa mga bata," Dr. Jimmy Panganiban, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Batangas City, said.

This adjustment comes after extensive discussions and hearings, addressing the persistent call of various groups and parents to revert to the old school calendar, with classes running from June to March.

DepEd assured that the changes will not be abrupt and will be implemented gradually.

"Nakikita po natin na siguro unti-unti ng 27 or 28 sa 2028 baka fully maibalik na doon sa dati... Hindi kasi puwedeng mabigla dahil ang laki ng adjustment lalo dito sa competencies," Panganiban added.

Parents have varied opinions on the matter. Some appreciate the shift, citing the challenging conditions during the dry season while others express concerns about adjusting to a new schedule.

"Mas okay po 'yun dahil sa panahon ng tag-init, mas kawawa 'yung mga bata lalo mainit ang panahon, mga April-May," Anabel Ramirez, a mother, said.

"Okay na rin na mabalik ang dati, kahit na maulan, ganu'n na rin po dati eh 'yung tag-ulan," Analiza Matala, another mother, added.

"No need na [mag bago ng schedule]. Okay na 'to.... A-adjust na naman tayo [at ang] mga bata, panibago na namang adjust panibago na namang isip. Paano ang aming gagawin?" Vivencia Dinglasan Mendoza, another mother, said.

For the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), this development is a step towards fulfilling their request to alleviate students from extreme heat during the dry season.

"This is something that we appreciate and we thank the DepEd, noh, for this memorandum, and eventually we will divert to the old school calendar," Benjo Basas, the National Chairperson of TDC, said.

The TDC is now awaiting the announcement of the opening date for the school year 2025-2026, expecting it to begin in June 2024.