Drilon renews call for moving opening of classes from June to September

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MANILA, Philippines – Senator Franklin Drilon on Thursday renewed his call for moving the opening of classes from June to September to prevent class disruptions due to the rainy season.

In a statement, Drilon also urged his colleagues in the Senate to study Senate Bill No. 2407 that he filed in 2010 which proposes the changing of the country’s school calendar.

Classes were suspended on Tuesday in Metro Manila and nearby provinces due to widespread flooding caused by continuous heavy rains.

“The new school year has just begun, yet we already experienced a cancellation of classes because of the bad weather condition which, based on past experiences, takes effect starting June- also the month that marks a fresh school year,” said Drilon

He added that the months of June, July and August have high numbers of suspension of classes since these are peak months of the rainy season and many storms and typhoons enter the country.

Drilon highlighted the safety and security of students during heavy rains and typhoons.

“It is always a source of concern for every parent whenever their sons and daughters leave their house premises – so as not to miss school – even if there are heavy rains and typhoons in the country,” said Drilon.

“I, for one, have two grandchildren who are enrolled in school this year. The fact that they still attended classes last Tuesday when heavy rains flooded most part of Metro Manila gave me reasons to worry over their safety,” he added.

SB 2407 seeks to amend Section 24, Chapter 9, Title VI, Book IV Executive Order No. 292 of the Administrative Code, which states “Section 24. School Year.–(1) The school year for public and private schools shall consist of not less than forty (40) weeks for the elementary and secondary levels, and thirty-six (36) weeks for the college level or eighteen (18) weeks a semester. 2) The opening date shall be fixed by the Secretary, but it shall not be earlier than the first day of June or later than the last day of July of each year unless prevented by fortuitous events.

“If the school calendar is revised, our schoolchildren will be less exposed to the very adverse weather conditions, especially here in Metro Manila,” Drilon said. Kate Evangelista