By Deighton Acuin and Archie Villaflores

PHOTO: The Buzz Files

While netizens continue calling out the Department of Education over its plans of academic year extension and shorter summer break, there is no clear indication of two-month summer break this year.

Based on the School Calendar and Activities for School Year (SY) 2020-2021 or DepEd Order No. 030 series of 2020 issued by Education Secretary Leonor Briones dated Oct. 2, there is no entry indicating the summer vacation period for public school students this school year.

After two postponements, classes for this school year officially started in public schools nationwide on Oct. 5. Originally, the SY 2020-2021 was scheduled to start on June 1 but it was moved to Aug. 24 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country.

The August 24 opening was postponed after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation seeking to move the class opening to October 5 with accordance to Republic Act No. 11480.

Signed last July 2020, the law gives the President an authorization to move the school opening past August due to emergencies upon DepEd Secretary’s recommendation.

Based on the amended school calendar, the Academic Quarter 1 was scheduled from Oct. 5 to Nov. 28 while the Academic Quarter 2 started on Dec. 1 to Feb. 6.

Academic Quarter 3 started on Feb. 15 to April 6 while the Academic Quarter 4 is scheduled to start on April 12 to June 5. The end of school year rites may be conducted starting June 7 to 11 – which is also the last day of the school year.

The school calendar indicated the regular holidays in the months of April and May. However, if this schedule will be followed, the traditional two-month summer vacation, which usually starts in April until May, may no longer be applicable this school year.

Aside from summer break absence, learners are also expected to attend Summer Classes starting June 14 to June 23, scheduled as the last day of the activities.

Sought for clarification, Education Curriculum and Instruction Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio told Manila Bulletin there might still changes in the academic year calendar.

“Pinag-uusapan pa ang school calendar adjustments,” San Antonio said.


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