The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday clarified that the opening of the school year 2021–2022 will be decided upon by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In a statement, the DepEd said the President will be provided with “various options,” noting that the August 23 proposed opening is only one option.

“DepEd is mandated to open the school year not later than the last day of August under the same law unless the President intervenes,” it said.

At the moment, it said a policy consultation and review is being conducted with stakeholders in the education sector “to determine the most appropriate course of action” on opening the school year.

“We shall issue the official guidelines for School Year 2021-2022 calendar soon,” the DepEd said.

Earlier, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers warned against opening the school year on August 23, noting that “pushing teachers beyond their limits” could prove to be counterproductive and to give due consideration to the well-being of both teachers and students.

This, after DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said that the new school year might open on August 23 after the current school year ends in July.

Signed by Duterte into law in July 2020, Republic Act (RA) 11480 allows the President to change the date of the opening of the school year in times of a state of emergency or calamity.

The law amended RA 7797, which states that the opening of classes should be between the first Monday of June and the last day of August. (PNA)