SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian stressed that reverting to the old school calendar will help uphold the safety and well-being of both teachers and learners.

Gatchalian’s statement is in support of the Department of Education’s decision to gradually revert to the pre-pandemic April-May school break.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Basic Education panel, noted how teachers and learners endure the current school calendar’s higher number of days with extremely hot temperatures.

“I fully support the Department of Education’s move to shift the closing of the current academic year from June 14, 2024 to May 31, 2024,” Gatchalian said.

“I thank the DepEd for heeding the call of our teachers, learners, and relevant stakeholders in returning to the old school calendar,” he added.

Gatchalian also cited a Pulse Asia survey conducted from June 19 to 23 last year which showed that 80 percent of the 1,200 respondents agreed to bring back the learners’ summer break to April and May.

The senator also explained that during a public hearing conducted by his panel last year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services pointed out that the current school calendar coincides with fewer days of extreme rainfall and fewer cancellations of classes due to tropical cyclones.