Change of school year opening gains Mabilog's approval

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Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has approved of the notion to change the school year opening from June to September to prevent class suspensions due to the rainy season and typhoons.

Mabilog confirmed he is supporting Senate Bill No. 2407 filed by Ilonggo Senator Franklin M. Drilon which seeks to amend the executive order defining the school opening and school year.

The city mayor also ordered the Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study on the proposed new schedule of school opening on September to avert class disruptions. In Iloilo City alone, hundreds of families seek refuge at elementary schools during heavy rains and flashfloods.

Recently, Typhoon Gener, posted a total of 87 houses were totally damaged and 466 were partially damaged. A total of 695 families and 3,478 persons were affected in 21 Iloilo City barangays mostly in the coastal areas mainly due to strong storm surge and strong winds.

Class disruptions usually occurrs during the rainy months from June to October every year, Mabilog said. He added that Education Secretary Armin Luistro has the authority to change the school year opening.

Under Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code governing education, it provides that the school year for public and private schools shall consist of not less than 40 weeks for the elementary and secondary levels, and 36 weeks for the college level or 18 weeks a semester.

The opening date shall be fixed by the Secretary of Education but it shall not be earlier than the first day of June nor later than the last day of July of each year unless prevented by unforeseen occurences.

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