After various consultation and public surveys were made, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday announced the next school year will start on August 24.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in the Laging Handa Public Briefing that the set date is in accordance with the law which states that the opening of classes is in June and August.
Adjusting to the new normal, the DepEd explained that classes may be conducted physically or virtually.
Briones said teachers must report physically or through online on June 1 to undergo capacity training until the opening of classes in August. Self-learning kits and printed materials for those without internet access are currently being prepared.
The DepEd added that national events such as the Palarong Pambansa are temporarily cancelled.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III is proposing to move the school opening to September despite the recommendation of the DepEd to the IATF.
“SBN 1438, will amend RA 7977 and serve as the enabling law for the execution of the April 24 recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to move the class opening to September,” Sotto said.