Opening of classes may now be rescheduled beyond August under the state of emergency

The opening of classes may now be rescheduled beyond August as President Duterte, on July 17, signed the Republic Act No. 11480 also known as "An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty (22) Class Days". It amends the R.A. No. 7797 which only allows the opening of classes from June until August.

Under the RA 11480, the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Education may allow the opening of classes beyond August in the event of a declaration of a state of emergency or state of calamity.

DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones welcomes this law and releases an official statement on this matter.

"We thank the President for signing Republic Act 11480 amending RA 7797 mandating the Secretary of Education to recommend to the chief executive adjustments in the school calendar in ‘times of national emergency’.

We are also grateful to our Senators and members of the House of Representatives for the quick and timely passage of the law.

The Department has been consulted and has conferred with the President and the legislators throughout the process and we will issue corresponding implementing rules and regulations soonest as required by the law."