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In response to mounting public concerns regarding the scheduling of classes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given the green light to revert the country’s school calendar to its traditional arrangement. Following discussions held at the Malacañan Palace, it has been decided that the opening of classes for the upcoming school year 2024-2025 will commence on July 29, 2024, and conclude on April 15, 2025.

This decision marks the beginning of a gradual transition back to the old June to March school calendar, as directed by President Marcos in consultation with Vice President Sara Duterte who is also the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

DepEd has been tasked with initiating this return to the standard school calendar, starting from SY 2024-2025 onwards.

During the deliberations, two options were presented for the implementation of the school calendar shift. The first option proposed 182 school days, including 15 in-person Saturday classes, while the second option suggested 167 school days with no Saturday classes. However, President Marcos expressed concerns over the shorter school calendar, stating that it could compromise learning outcomes.

In a bid to find a middle ground, President Marcos rejected the idea of Saturday classes and instead advocated for extending the school year to ensure completion of the required 182 days. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the standard number of school days without encroaching on weekends, citing concerns for students' well-being and resource allocation.

Vice President Duterte affirmed that consultations had been conducted with various stakeholders, including teachers, school officials, and parents, regarding the proposed changes to the school calendar. The decision to revert to the traditional arrangement aims to address public apprehensions and uphold the quality of education in the Philippines.