SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian expressed optimism as the Department of Education prepares to open School Year 2025–2026 on June 16, marking a return to the traditional academic calendar followed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Gatchalian, resuming classes in June will help restore a sense of normalcy for both learners and teachers who have experienced years of disruption due to the pandemic.

He also emphasized that the June opening would shield students and educators from extreme heat conditions that typically occur later in the year.

“It was not an easy process to bring the school opening back to June, but we were able to accomplish it,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The senator also highlighted the ongoing phased implementation of the MATATAG curriculum, which seeks to improve the quality of basic education.

Gatchalian called for sustained and increased support for teachers, who are at the forefront of these reforms.

“Our teachers need all the support they can get as we continue to implement the MATATAG curriculum,” he added.

The upcoming school year marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to fully recover from the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic.