It was clarified by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte has the final say on the opening of the next academic year.
“The Department of Education would like to emphasize that the President has the final decision on the opening of the school year, in accordance with Republic Act 11480,” said the government agency, referring to the law amending RA 7797, also known as “An act to lengthen the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 class days.”
DepEd added that the August 23 previously mentioned by Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio is only one of the options that will be presented to Duterte.
“The August 23 start date proposal is only one of the options since DepEd is mandated to open the school year not later than the last day of August under the same law unless the President intervenes,” DepEd explained.
RA 11480 provides that a school year shall begin on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August. However, in case a state of emergency or state of calamity is declared, the President, upon the recommendation of the Education chief, may set a different date.
Consultations and policy review with relevant parties are still being conducted to determine the proper course of action and official guidelines for the School Year 2021-2022 will soon be issued, added DepEd.
