MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers have proposed that the opening of the school year should be changed from June to September for the safety of millions of schoolchildren, citing that the months of June to August are the heaviest rainy months with a greater number of typhoons and monsoon rains. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and his brother, Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. called for a change in the school calendar to benefit some 15.5 million pre-elementary, elementary, and high school students adversely affected by heavy rains and deep floods during typhoon months.
“The Filipino children and student youth are the future human resources of the nation. Public health and safety are an important issue that will be resolved when the change of school calendar will be institutionalized,” the brother lawmakers said in a statement.
The Rodriguezes urged a three-trimester school calendar for post-secondary and college levels with 220 school days for every calendar year.
Known as the “School Calendar Act of 2010,” House Bill 1388 provides that the first semester should start the first week of September to December to avoid the months of heaviest rains and greater number of typhoons, while, the second semester should begin from January to April with provisions for the holidays and traditional graduation ceremonies.
The third semester should be from May to August to cover hot summer days and months with the heaviest rains, according to the bill.
Charissa Luci, Manila Bulletin
