ILOCOS Sur 1st District Representative Ronald Singson filed a measure that seeks to return the opening of classes in all schools to June.

House Bill 8508 will modify the start of the school year for all basic institutions in the country, including international schools.

The bill also aims to establish the first Monday of June of every year as the start of the academic year to harmonize all school openings.

“More than overhauling, revising, and redesigning the existing curriculum, other issues on education, such as setting a school calendar that is most beneficial to learners, should also be considered,” Singson said.

The change in the academic calendar was the result of the two-year lockdown triggered by the Covid19 pandemic.

Singson stressed that the lifting of pandemic restrictions and the full implementation of face-to-face classes should prompt the Department of Education to gradually change the school calendar due to several pressing factors.

“The extreme heat experienced by teachers and students during the dry season, which is deemed not conducive to learning, and the students being unable to enjoy the school break because of the rainy season are the main reasons why we should change the opening of schools,” he said.

The lawmaker added that while it is difficult to predict the weather due to climate change, the former school calendar is what suits the country best.