THE TEACHERS’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) appealed to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to move the opening of School Year ( SY) 2022- 2023 to the middle of September or by first week of October .

The group wants give teachers enough rest based on the existing policy.

“Mula’t simula ay entitled naman talaga ang mga guro sa dalawang buwang bakasyon, ito’y upang bigyan kami ng sapat na pahinga, physically, emotionally and mentally. Wala pong sick at vacation leave ang mga guro na gaya ng ibang mga empleyado kaya ito ang ibinibigay sa amin,” Benjo Basas, TDC national chairman said.

The DepEd earlier announced it is eyeing to start the next school year on August 22 using blended learning with more face – to- face classes .

The proposed timeline for the SY 2022- 2023 – includes 215 days and will end on July 7, 2023.

However, the DepEd has not yet issued a memorandum and school calendar which is expected to be decided by the new DepEd Secretary.

“Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa tapos ang mga gawain sa paaralan, mayroon pang mga graduation at completion ceremonies, may reading of forms at paghahanda ng mga dokumento para sa performance rating”, Basas explained

“Sa mga susunod na linggo hanggang Agosto ay sasabak naman sa iba pang trabaho ang mga guro gaya ng in-sevice trainings, brigada eskuwela, balik-eskwela at enrolment activities at ang notorious na end of school year classes kung saan inaasahan pang magsagawa ng remedial at enrichment classes ang mga guro sa loob ng tatlong linggo”.

President Ferdinand ” Bongbong” Marcos Jr, during the first executive meeting plans to implement full face- to- face classes by November.

However , there is no final announcement from VP Duterte and the Malacanang on the exact date of the school opening.

“Inaasahan naming maikukunsidera ng Pangulo na palawigin pa ang school break upang ganap na mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapagpahinga ang mga guro at magkaroon din ng mas mahabang oras sa paghahanda sa mga paaralan, lalo pa’t babalik na tayo sa face-to-face classes,” Basas added.

The President has the authority to declare the date of school opening based on the recommendations of the Education Secretary.

Last SY 2021- 2022 classes opened on September and ended June 24 this year.