Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5731

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As one of the initial steps in paving the way for the economic, political, social, and
cultural cooperation of Southeast Asian nations, the top universities of the Philippines
shifted their academic calendar to August to July from the previous June to May.

Synchronizing the Philippines’ academic calendar with those of the international
academic community has presented numerous benefits. It facilitates the internationalization
of our universities in line with the ASEAN Economic Community Intergration. This will allow
for easier transition for students and professionals who will pursue further studies within
the region.

Aligning with the international academic calendar also facilitates student participation
in exchange programs, thereby providing students with the opportunity to grow in an
international and culturally diverse landscape. This will also allow the faculty to participate
in many training programs and summer institutes during June and July.

To ensure that no Philippine academic institution is left behind, this bill seeks to
synchronize the opening of all classes in all schools in the country and start the school year
‘on the second Monday of August to the second Monday of September. This is the step that
we need to take as we aspire to compete with other countries and be the intellectual capital
of the world.

Inline of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5731

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
SYNCHRONIZING THE OPENING OF ALL CLASSES IN ALL SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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

SECTION 1. Synchronizing the Start of the School Year. ~ Any provisions of law to
the contrary notwithstanding, the start of the school year beginning school year 2018-2019
shall be synchronized.

The school year shall start on the second Monday of August but not later than the
second Monday of September.

In the implementation of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Education
(DepEd) and the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall be
guided by the provisions of Republic Act No. 7977 insofar as they are not inconsistent with
this Act.

Section 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and the CHED in
coordination with the associations of private schools shall promulgate the corresponding
implementing rules and regulations of this Act within sixty (60) days from the date of its
effectivity.

Section 3. Repealing and Amendatory Clause. - Republic Act No. 7977 and all
other laws, decrees, orders, regulations and policies inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed and/or amended accordingly.

Section 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected hereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

Section 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, whichever
comes first.

Approved,