THE Department of Education will be gradually shifting back to the April-May break, starting with the adjustments of the remaining activities for the School Year 2023-2024, a department order said.

The DepEd highlighted that the gradual shift is vital to avoid the disruption of school days necessary to cover all learning competencies.

“Alongside the resounding consensus from extensive consultations with teachers, learners, and relevant stakeholders, the same call is echoed by the findings of the study conducted by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) titled Analysis of the Basic Education School Year Calendar in the Philippines: Inputs to Policy,” the DO noted.

According to DepEd Order No. 03, series of 2024, DepEd moved the end of the School Year 2023-2024 to May 31, 2024, while the End of School Year Break will now be from June 1 to July 26, 2024.

Accordingly, the Third Quarter Examinations will be on March 25-26, while the Fourth Quarter Exam will be on May 16-17, 2024. Schools are likewise encouraged to conduct their respective EOSY Rites from May 29-31, 2024.

Meanwhile, DepEd national activities will be conducted on the following dates:
• Palarong Pambansa – July 6 – 17, 2024
• National Festival of Talents – July 9 – 13, 2024
• National Schools Press Conference – July 9 – 13, 2024
• Learners’ Convergence – July 9 – 15, 2024

The DO also emphasized that no voluntary or mandatory tasks or activities shall be given to teachers from June 1 to 30, 2024.

The official start of the School Year 2024-2025 will be on July 29 and will end on May 16, 2025, with the Brigada Eskwela set to commence a week before the start of the new school year.