Rizal Representative Michael John Duavit has proposed that the opening of classes in all schools in the country be synchronized beginning next year.

Duavit filed House Bill 5802, proposing that the school year shall start on the second Monday of August, but not later than the second Monday of September.

Citing the 2016-2017 data of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, he noted that 34 universities and colleges had already adopted the August to May calendar in pursuance to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic integration.

“Shifting the calendar is an initial step towards creating a more favorable environment for attracting a pool of talented students and faculty. In turn, this will increase employment and spur economic growth through research and development,” Duavit said.

“The nationwide application will provide a smooth transition from one level to another. As a corollary, the unorchestrated schedules pose a problem for those students who will graduate from a school which utilizes a different academic calendar,” he said.

He said his measure optimizes the academic calendar year.

“By adjusting the semestral school year, the effects of the rainy season which begins in the month of June is mitigated in view of several public schools which are used as evacuation areas in cases of weather-related disasters. As a result, class suspensions are lessened,” Duavit said.

House Bill 5802 tasks the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Act