Gatchalian pushes for shorter transition to old school calendar

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian wants a “shorter transition period” for the country’s return to its pre-pandemic school calendar.

Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Senado” forum on Thursday, Gatchalian said the old school calendar benefits learners and educators as its academic break is scheduled during April and May.

“In fact, 88 percent of our countrymen are in favor of returning to the old calendar. First of all, we’re all used to it. Second, even if it’s hot, it would be okay because students and teachers are just at home — they can use an electric fan or aircon, and they wouldn’t be forced to go to school,” Garchalian said in Filipino.

A teacher at Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School in Quezon City addresses concerns raised by her students during the start of classes in this 2018 photo. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier disclosed its plan to “gradually” return to the old school calendar. But citing worsening weather conditions in the country, Gatchalian appealed for a “shorter transition.”

“The weather nowadays is unpredictable and the trend I see is warming, not cooling. I remember when we were young, the heat index didn’t hit 40 [ºC], but this time around, 40 is the new normal,” he said.

“I agree — the shorter the transition, the better. That is one of the things we will look into if we can recommend to DepEd to shorten the transition,” he added.

READ: Crafting a law to revert to old school calendar no longer needed — Gatchalian

Amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in the Philippines opted to utilize distance learning to ensure the well-being of learners and teaching personnel.

The school year 2021-2022 began in September 2021, according to the DepEd. The school year 2022-2023 began in August 2022.