Bill seeks to move opening of classes to September

MANILA, Philippines - Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla proposed on Thursday a change in the opening of the school year from June to September.

Citing floods that disrupt the schedule of classes during the rainy season, Revilla filed House Bill 104 which also aims to ensure the safety of students, teachers and guardians from waterborne and flood-related diseases, and to avoid road accidents.

“The changing of the school calendar will help lessen the dangers posed to their health like respiratory diseases, dengue fever and leptospirosis, especially when classes are abruptly suspended or canceled because of the rains and floods that threaten the safety of these individuals,” Revilla said.

The lawmaker said as much as 25 to 30 days are subtracted from an entire school year due to typhoons that disrupt classes. The weather bureau estimates that an average of 19 to 20 typhoons enter the Philippines on a yearly basis.

Revilla said Malaysia and Singapore open their classes in January, China in February, South Korea in March, Japan and India in April, Thailand in May, Indonesia in July and Hong Kong in September. Like the Philippines, Brunei opens its school year in June.