DepEd postpones school opening to October 5

The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed the opening of classes for the school year 2020-2021 to October 5, 2020, with President Rodrigo Duterte approving the recommendation.

This decision aligns with Republic Act No 11480, which allows the President to alter the school calendar during calamities.

The postponement was proposed on August 6 due to logistical challenges posed by the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in key areas like Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

However, DepEd is now planning "certain adjustments" to the school calendar, as Education Secretary Leonor Briones expressed concerns about the implications of an October 5 opening on curriculum operations and activities for teachers and students.

Briones noted that while the formal school opening is moved to October, schools can still proceed with scheduled activities for teachers and students.

Senator Francis Tolentino pointed out that the Senate committee on basic education had not yet received the implementing rules and regulations for the new law from DepEd.