Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTAT!
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. peed

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In line with the aim of producing globally competitive students and
having more internationalized education standards, the top universities in
the country have decided to shift the beginning of the academic school year
from June to August, effective school year 2019-2020. 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 ultimately 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 is a brilliant mechanism to provide wider


career options and employment opportunities to 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.

This bill seeks to support the Academic Calendar Shift and it
mandates all universities and 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 fir 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 incessant monsoon and torrential rains
which begin in the month of June.

ene COW,

ERIC L. OLIVAREZ


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3201
House Bill No.

—_—_

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 “The
Academic Calendar Shift Act of 2019”;

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

SECTION 3. Academic Year to Start in August. 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 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 prescribed by the
Department of Education (DepEd) and the 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. The Act shall take effect fifteen
(15) days after its complete publication in at least three (3) newspapers
of general circulation.

APPROVED.