Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 1591

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ANN K. HOFER

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to shift and synchronize the opening of classes across all levels—from
kindergarten to college—in both public and private schools, to August of every year.

The move to shift the opening of classes from June to August was prompted by the need
to minimize class disruption and students’ exposure to environmental disasters and hazards
brought about by the monsoon season, Some schools also adopted the new academic calendar
in view of the ASEAN integration, which synchronizes the academic calendar among ASEAN
member countries. This move opens up opportunities for both students and faculty members to
explore academic opportunities outside the country. However, most schools have yet to follow
suit.

In April 2019, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released a memorandum
enjoining all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs)
to begin in August of every year starting academic year 2019-2020. This way, the academic
year of all SUCs and LUC will be synchronized to the fiscal year.

Moreover, shifting and synchronizing the opening of school classes across all levels
will benefit not only the students but also their families. For those with more than one child in
school, having a uniform schedule for the opening of classes in all levels will ensure that
families will be able to spend quality time together as a whole during school breaks.

For the abovementioned reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ANN K. HOFER
2™ District, Zamboanga Sibugay


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1591

Introduced by REP. ANN K. HOFER

AN ACT
SHIFTING THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FROM JUNE TO AUGUST

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Academic Calendar Shift
Act of 2019”,

SEC. 2. Coverage. — This Act shall cover all educational institutions in the country,
from kindergarten to college in both public and private schools.

SEC. 3. Synchronizing the Start of the Academic Year. ~ All covered educational
institutions shall commence the academic school year in August of every year.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Department of Education and the
Commission on Higher Education shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from the date of its effectivity.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. — Should any part of this Act be declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof not affected not thereby shall continue to be in
full force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
implementing rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.