14" Congress of the Republic) 
of the Philippines 
1 
First Regular Session 
f 
~~~~~~~~~ 
m?l. *-&---- 
S E N A T E  
s. 5. No. 
$139 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
EXPUN AT0 RY NOTE 
Desp'k our long experience with the wet or rainy season in the 
Philippines, our country seems to be suffering the same 
complications of heavy rains year in and out. Although we have 
always been a tropical country, environmental changes, increasing 
population, pollution and faulty planning have aggravated the 
situation. As the academic schoolyear begins in June, monsoon 
downpours impede the continuation of school in all levels, resulting in 
loss of school days. Aside from placing undue pressure on parents 
and students, this loss also places pressure on teachers to finish the 
required curriculum in a shorter amount of time. 
This bill addresses the situation by moving the regular 
academic schoolyear from June until March the following year, to 
September until June the folfowing year. It also changes the 
"summer" school season from April until May to July until August. 
The bill also prescribes the formation of a special curriculum or set of 
courses designed specifically to be used on days when classes are 
suspended for unforeseen reasons. 
In this manner, the loss school days due to inclement weather 
is mitigated, and whatever "lost" days are suffered during the 
modified school year are put to effective use by students through the 
special curriculum. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
.c 
AGUILINO 
Q.' PIMENTEL, 
JR. 


14th Congress of the Republic) 
of the Philippines 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
S. B. No. 
9139 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
-- 
AN ACT 
TO MODIFY THE ACADEMIC SCHOOLYEAR 
FROM JUNE UNTIL MARCH TO SEPTEMBER UNTIL JUNE, 
PRESCRIBING A SET OF COURSES ADAPTED TO THE RAINY SEASON, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section I. The regular academic schoolyear of public and private 
educational institutions in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels beginning in 
June and ending in March is hereby modified to commence in September to end 
in the month of June, Previded that, this modification shall not apply to 
educational institutions folfowing a different academic schoolyear, including, but 
not limited to those wttich follow the trimester schoolyear. 
Section 
2. 
Wbere applicable, non-regular classes held during the 
Section 
3. I n  preparing the curriculum for the schoolyear, heads of 
schools and teachers in the primary and secondary lever are hereby directed to 
formulate a set of courses for the rainy season designed to be used on days 
when classes are suspended due to inclement weather or such other unforeseen 
circumstances. This set of courses may consist of exercises, reading 
assignments, projects, or other tasks relevant to the regular curriculum which 
may be performed by students at home. 
Heads of schools and teachers at the tertiary level are encouraged to 
prescribe a course outline of assigned readings which the student may follow in 
case of suspended classes. 
Section 
4. 
Upon the effectivity of this Act, the Department of 
Education shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for its implementation 
for the academic schoolyear following its effectivity. 
thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby amended or modified accordingly. 
months of April and May shall now be held in the months of July and August. 
Section 
5. 
All laws, decrees, order, rules and regulation or parts 
Section 6. This Act shall effect (15) days after its publication in at least 
(2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,