THE DEPARTMENT of Education-Davao announced classes for School Year 2023-2024 will begin on August 29, its spokesperson Jenielito Atillo confirmed.

Atillo acknowledged certain organizations and teachers requested to go back to the original schedule of starting classes in June in order to keep the two-month vacation period.

The present schedule, however, has been officially determined and will start on August 29.

“Even for the upcoming school year, SY [school year] 2024-2025, if the scheduled opening date, August 26, falls on a holiday, it will be moved to August 27,” he said.

Additionally, he said the class timetable would be adjusted to adhere to 200 to 220 calendar days per academic year, which is in line with worldwide standards.

Atillo urged private schools not to start lessons sooner than the DepEd-scheduled date as they are only allowed to do so in August.

It should be highlighted several private schools plan to begin classes in the final week of July, which Atillo stressed is against the rules at the moment.

“We want to call their attention that they cannot open without following the schedule because there is a specific timetable for our private schools,” the spokesperson said.