FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
2nd. Regular Session )

HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES,
House Bill No.__ 48814

Introduced by: MA. THERESA B. BONOAN-DAVID
4t District, City of Manila

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite 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 and faulty planning have
aggravated the situation. As the academic school year 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 school
year from June until March the following year, to September until June the
following 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.

Early cognizance of this bill is earnestly sought.

MA. THERESA BONOAN-DAVID
4th District, City of Manila


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES,
House Bill No.__ 488 4

Introduced by: MA. THERESA B. BONOAN-DAVID
4 District, City of Manila

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 in
Congress of the Philippines assembled:

Section 1. The regular academic school year 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 from September to end in the
month of June, provided that, this modification shall not apply to educational
institutions following a different academic school year.

Section 2. Where applicable, non-regular classes held during the months of April
and May shall now be held in the months of July and August.

Section 3. In preparing the curriculum for the school year, 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
school year following its effectivity.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 6. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby
shall remain in force and effect.

Section 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved.