Return to old school calendar pressed
THE Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has filed a measure seeking the return of the June to March school calendar.
In filing House Bill 8550, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabayan Rep. Raoul Manuel have expressed concern over the well-being of teachers and students during the summer season or from March to May.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, school calendar was changed from August to June.
The solons have cited the negative effects of the current calendar on the quality of education and the health of teachers and students.
“The August to May school calendar has proven to be detrimental to the education sector, with students and teachers struggling with prolonged and intensified exposure to heat during the summer months. This has resulted in decreased productivity, poor student performance, and even health problems,” Castro said.
She added that the current calendar also affects the country’s agriculture sector, as students are unable to participate in farming activities during the planting season.
“The return to the June to March school calendar will not only improve the quality of education but will also benefit our farmers by allowing students to participate in planting and harvesting activities during the appropriate season,” she said.
Castro also emphasized that the proposed bill will prioritize the safety and well-being of teachers and students amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to ensure that the return to the previous school calendar will be implemented in a safe and effective manner, with strict adherence to health protocols and guidelines,” she added.
She urged her fellow legislators to support the bill and prioritize the needs of the education sector.
“We call on our colleagues in the House of Representatives to prioritize the well-being of our teachers and students by supporting the passage of this bill. Let us work towards a better and more sustainable education system that can provide quality education to all,” she added.
