Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City L

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4301

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In line with the aim of producing globally competitive students and
having more internationalized education standards, a number of premier
universities in the country have decided to shift the beginning of the academic
school year from June to August, effective this school year of 2014. Among
these universities are the University of the Philippines (U.P.), University of Sto.
Tomas (U.S.T.) and the Ateneo De Manila University (ADeMU).

The said shift is being timely implemented in line with the ASEAN
Economic Community Integration for the year 2015. Such synchronization of
our academic calendar with ASEAN as well as with the other countries will
open more partnership programs between the Philippines colleges and
universities and the other international or foreign universities. Moreover, the
lessons and curricula of universities and colleges in our country will be aligned
with that of the foreign countries, Lastly, one important effect of this academic
calendar shift is the likelihood of improved rankings of our very own
universities in the standard of international assessment institutions.

Clearly, the academic calendar shift is gearing the Philippines towards
global competitiveness. Such step is a brilliant mechanism to provide wider
career options and employment opportunities for our very own graduates and
will attract foreign investors mainly because of our highly competent and
competitive labor force, thusly increasing our nation’s viability and status in
terms of economic progress and stability

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‘This bill seeks to support the Academic Calendar Shift and it mandates
all universities and/or colleges, High Schools and Grade Schools, public and
private, in the country to follow the said milestone. The nationwide application
of the academic calendar shift by all educational institution will optimize its
overall impact as discussed above.

Likewise, this bill seeks to improve the academic standing of our own
educational institutions vis-a-vis other foreign schools in an exponential
manner, and in the quickest way possible for the good of our citizens and our
country as a whole.

Finally, this bill shall, at the very least, minimize numerous cancellations
of classes brought by incessant monsoon and torrential rains which begin in
the month of June.

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ERIC L, OLIVAREZ


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4301

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

AN ACT SHIFTING THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FROM
JUNE TO AUGUST

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as “The Academic
Calendar Shift Act”;

SECTION 2. Coverage. This Act shall cover all universities, colleges,
schools and other educational institutions, public or private.

SECTION 3. Academic Year to Start in August. Starting the year
2015, all universities, colleges, schools and other educational institutions
shall commence the academic/school year in the month of August.

SECTION 4, Adjustment of Curriculum and Lessons. Each school,
college or university shall adjust their curriculum, schools and lessons, if
necessary, in accordance with and in keeping to the academic calendar shift.

SECTION 5. Number of School Days. The number of school days
required to be completed by a student, as currently being followed by all
universities, colleges, schools and other educational institutions and as
prescribed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) shall not be altered, added or diminished by virtue of
this Academic Calendar Shift.


SECTION 6, Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, letters
of instructions, executive orders, rules and regulations insofar as they are
inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or amended as the case may be.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - In the event that any provision of
this Act or any portion thereof is declared unconstitutional by a competent
court, the other provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid
and enforceable.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after its
complete publication in at least three (3) newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED.