Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30) — The government should work fast to revert to the old academic year to protect both students and teachers from potential heat stress during the summer months, said House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan on Sunday.
“We are all for the immediate return to the old school calendar with the least possible disruption to classes,” Libanan said.
Libanan, who is also the representative of the Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino or the 4Ps Party-list, pointed out that many children from low-income families frequently walk long distances to and from school.
“The prolonged physical exertion, combined with the agonizing heat, puts them at risk of heat exhaustion,” he said.
Libanan explained that the current school year, which starts in August and ends in early April, puts children in school during the hottest months of April and May.
The old academic calendar begins in June and ends in March or April.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week said the government is studying the return to the old school calendar as the heat during the summer months becomes an obstacle to learning.
Meanwhile, House committee on basic education and culture chairperson Roman Romulo said authorities should carefully analyze data before deciding on whether to revert to the old school calendar.
