Classes end on June 16, 2021 – DepEd

The Department of Education announced Monday that the school year 2020-2021, which would start on October 5, 2020, would end on June 16, 2021.

The Christmas break, meanwhile, will be from December 20, 2020, to January 3, 2021, DepEd said.

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Education Secretary Leonor Briones announced Thursday the opening of classes for school year 2020-201 is moved to October 5 from its original schedule of August 4.

“As per the memorandum, the President has given approval to the recommendation of DepEd. Thus, we will implement such a decision to defer school opening to October 5 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11480. We shall use the deferment to provide relief to the logistical limitations faced by the areas placed under MECQ and to fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening that we are currently addressing,” DepEd said.

“Areas outside MECQ are directed to continue their orientations, dry runs, and delivery of learning resources so that we will be ready for the opening of classes on October 5,” it added.

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President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision came hours after Senator urged to move the opening of classes in October to ensure everyone’s readiness and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DepEd, meanwhile, clarified private schools could push through with their school opening earlier than October 5.

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Association of the Philippines (COCOPEA) earlier appealed to  to exempt private schools from the October 5 class opening.

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COCOPEA Managing Director Joseph Noel Estrada said that private schools were prepared, and some even started classes in July.

Also read: UP experts recommend 15-day MECQ extension

DepEd school still accepts enrollees

DepEd Secretary Briones also said enrollment is still ongoing for the upcoming school year.

The number of enrollees so far in the country reached 23.3 million, she added.

“Everyday, patuloy pa rin ang late enrollees. Ibig sabihin ang mga parents ay buo ang tiwala sa DepEd,” she said.

“All systems go tayo for October 5. Mayroong nakaumpisa na, hindi natin ‘yan pipigilan lalo na sa private schools. Sumunod lang sila sa atas ng presidente na sundin ang requirements ng DOH,” she said.

“Gawin natin ang lahat ng paraan ng pang-motivate sa mga bata para hindi mawala ang interes nila sa pag-aaral dahil sa tagal na wala silang pasok,” she added.