From June to August: Some schools wary to move class opening

CEBU, Philippines - Some universities in Cebu see problems in the implementation of  the new academic calendar by moving the school opening from June to August.

One of the problems would be cross-enrolling in two universities with different school calendars.

Lawyer Jonathan Capanas, Dean of the College of  Law of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), said the  synchronization of  the new schedule of opening of classes is needed to avoid the occurrence of another problem.

“Ang problema is mag-cross enroll ang studyante, ma-transfer. Ang pagsawo pud from primary to secondary or basic education up to tertiary (level), maka-create unya og gap. I-synchronized gyud ni,” he explained.

Capanas also suggested that the government should come in and a legislation is needed to synchronize the calendars with the rest of the schools all over the country.

He said that though schools have academic freedom, the government should look into this by coming up with a legislation rather than leaving the private sectors to decide.

“Ang duna man gyud capability to come up with a strong decision that can be implemented is the government. Kung naay balaud, di wa nay mosupak ana. Dapat magdungan gyod for the sake also of the students. Di na pwede mag-iyahay oy,” he told reporters.

The University of  the Philippines has opted to adhere to the new academic schedule starting August 18 for school year 2014-2015.

The Ateneo de Manila University is also considering the adoption of the new academic schedule by next year.

Capanas said before other universities would follow suit, the association of schools must also agree for the sake of the students and the public.

When asked if  it is necessary to follow the international standard through shifting the opening of classes, Capanas said that it is not only necessary but also advisable to synchronize globally.

“The term used is globalization is also affecting us. To put with the trend worldwide, sa una ra ning planoha. Kung i-implement ni siya, it takes a firm decision on the part of the government,” he said.

Universities which are set to adapt the new school calendar reasoned that the change is for them to have the same academic timetable with their international partners.

The United States, for one, is using the August-May academic year.

For his part, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said once this new pattern takes effect, he believes that it would take a “lot of adjustment for the student and teachers.”

“If there is a justifiable reason for moving the opening of the school year to a later date, basin maayo pud tingali ni,” he said.— /GMR (FREEMAN)