President Marcos Jr. Approves DepEd Proposal to Revert to Old School Calendar, Usec. Michael Poa Confirms

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved the gradual return to the previous school calendar, which would terminate earlier than expected in 2024–2025. Classes begin on July 29 and end on April 15, 2025.

"In response to public concerns on the schedule of classes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved to start reverting the country’s school calendar to the traditional arrangement," the PCO said.

"Thus, the opening of classes for school year 2024-2025 will begin on July 29 this year and end on April 15, 2025," it added.

President Marcos and Vice President Duterte met and decided to move the start of the Philippine school year back to June till the end of March. The 2025–2026 school year will now start on June 16, 2025, and end on March 31, 2026, according to the Department of Education (DepEd). Following a meeting between Marcos and Duterte, the decision was taken.

Beginning with SY 2024–2025, the President directed the Department of Education to reinstate the regular school calendar days. 182 school days with 15 in-person Saturday sessions and 167 school days with no in-person Saturday classes were the two options that Duterte offered. The SY would expire on March 31, 2025, under either choice. Marcos countered that the 167-day school year was excessively short and would negatively impact student learning.

Since Saturday classes eliminate the need for schools to hold extra school days, DepEd will no longer be required to hold Saturday sessions. Director of DepEd Leila Areola disclosed this week the department's intention to reduce the number of school days and hold some Saturday classes during SY 2024–2025. The organization was concerned, though, that having lessons on Saturdays might make teachers and students tired and increase their costs.