CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has voiced his opposition to the proposed shift to the June-March school calendar from the current August-May timeline. In a statement on Sunday, Rodriguez highlighted the rainy season as the primary reason for his stance.
Rodriguez emphasized the importance of considering the well-being of the students, stating, “Let’s retain the present academic calendar for the sake of our children. Let’s spare them from rainy season ailments such as colds, fever, and flu.” He supported his argument by referring to previous studies that indicated fewer rainy days in the current school calendar compared to the old one.
The representative expressed concern for the vulnerability of young students, particularly those in pre-school, kindergarten, and the lower grades. “Let’s not expose our students and children to more rain, more flooding, and increased health risks associated with rainy days,” Rodriguez urged.
Another advantage of the current school calendar, according to Rodriguez, is the reduction in class suspensions due to inclement weather. By maintaining the August-May timeline, he argued, the disruption caused by frequent suspensions can be minimized. Additionally, he pointed out that reverting to the old school calendar would require significant adjustments for parents, teachers, other school personnel, and students who have already acclimated to the current schedule. “They have already adjusted to the August-May timeline. So, let’s leave it at that; let’s not disturb it,” Rodriguez asserted.
However, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro presented a different perspective on the matter. Castro supported the proposal to return the opening of classes to June, citing the demands of numerous students, teachers, and parents. She argued that students and teachers already attend school during the rainy season and have adapted well to it. Castro also noted that the extreme heat during the summer often leads to wasted class time, as lessons cannot be effectively conducted.
Addressing concerns about severe storms, Castro acknowledged that they typically occur from August to November. She recalled a past incident when classes had to be suspended in August due to a storm, emphasizing the need to prevent such situations from affecting teachers and students again. “We do not want this to happen again to our teachers and students, so we should let the opening of classes return to June as soon as possible and not block it,” Castro stated.
The proposed shift in the school calendar has sparked a debate between those who prioritize the health and well-being of students during the rainy season and those who advocate for a longer class period during the summer months. Both Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Rep. France Castro have presented valid arguments based on their respective concerns and experiences.
As this discussion continues, it is essential to consider the impact of local laws, customs, and climate conditions on the proposed changes. By contextualizing the issue to an international audience, we can better understand the unique challenges faced by different regions and make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of the students and the education system as a whole.
Source: The Manila Times