Classes in public schools open on June 3

MANILA, Philippines — Classes in public elementary and high schools nationwide will begin on June 3, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

In a memorandum dated April 22, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the upcoming school year will end on April 3, 2020 and consists of 203 school days.

Private schools were allowed to deviate from the schedule, provided they comply with an existing law that states that classes may not start earlier than the first Monday of June nor later than the last day of August.

For public schools, Briones said the calendars may be adjusted to allow schools to observe local and national celebrations that are beneficial to students.

To compensate for unplanned suspension of classes such as those caused by natural and man-made calamities, Briones said make-up classes or other forms of alternative deliveries are recommended.

“The conduct of such activities must be agreed upon by the school heads, teachers and concerned parents,” Briones said.

In the implementing guidelines for the upcoming school year, the DepEd encouraged schools to organize non-classroom based activities for learners such science fairs, showcase of portfolios, trade fairs, school sports, campus journalism, jobs fair and career orientation.

The agency said this is in line with the K-12 goal for the holistic development of learners.

The Christmas break is scheduled from Dec. 15 to Jan. 5.

Earlier, Briones ordered the creation of Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE), an inter-agency task force responsible for ensuring the smooth opening of classes.

“The OBE is part of the department’s efforts to ensure that learners are properly enrolled and able to attend school on the first day of classes,” she said.

“The OBE aims to address problems, queries and other concerns commonly encountered by the public at the start of classes,” she added.

In addition to DepEd, other government agencies that will be part of the task force include the departments of energy, interior and local government, health, national defense, public works and highways, social welfare and development, and trade and industry.

Also part of the task force are the Manila Electric Company, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Metro Manila Development Authority, Office of Civil Defense, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and the Philippine National Police.

An initial meeting and orientation between the agencies will be held on May 8, with the OBE activated from May 27 to June 7.

A public assistance command center will also be established in DepEd regional and division offices during the said period to receive, process and respond to queries regarding the opening of classes.

It shall also assist in the dissemination and clarification of DepEd policies, programs, projects and processes, particularly those related to the school opening.