🎒📚 All Set for School Year 2025: DepEd Gears Up for June Opening with Enhanced Safety & Learning Tools 📱🚔

The Department of Education (DepEd) is rolling out a comprehensive and well-coordinated back-to-school plan this June 16, welcoming around 27 million students across the country. This year’s opening is marked not only by a return to the June-to-March academic calendar but also by a major effort in infrastructure readiness, digital resource distribution, and tightened security measures.

🎓 Back to Traditional School Calendar: A Strategic Shift for Stability

After years of experimenting with an adjusted academic calendar due to pandemic and weather-related disruptions, the DepEd has officially reverted to the June-to-March school year. According to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this move aims to minimize the recurring losses in classroom learning due to typhoons and other natural disturbances that are more frequent during the rainy season, particularly from July to October. Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who recently took the helm of the department, emphasized the importance of “calendar alignment with optimal weather conditions” to protect learning continuity and student well-being.

This decision is backed by education advocates and local government units, who have long campaigned for more climate-responsive academic scheduling. As stated in a recent policy brief from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), learning disruptions due to extreme weather have had measurable negative impacts on student performance and school attendance. The return to the traditional calendar is therefore a timely, data-driven response.

🖥️ Digital Tools & Tech in the Classroom: Equipping Schools for the Future

In a move to modernize Philippine classrooms, DepEd has successfully distributed 33,539 laptops to teachers and 5,360 units to non-teaching staff as part of its computerization program. Along with these, nearly 26,000 smart TV packages equipped with external hard drives have been procured to enhance multimedia-based learning.

These smart TVs, when used with offline content delivery systems, are particularly useful in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where stable internet connectivity remains a challenge. According to a UNESCO education report, integrating ICT in education significantly improves student engagement and knowledge retention—especially when supported by teacher training and quality content.

📖 Textbook Procurement Nears Full Distribution

While technology plays an increasing role, printed learning materials remain critical—especially for early grade learners. DepEd reports that textbook procurement for Grades 1, 4, and 7 is at 99% completion, with Grades 2, 5, and 8 currently halfway through procurement. Full coverage for other grade levels is expected to commence next year.

Experts from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) reiterate that balanced access to both digital and physical learning tools is essential to close achievement gaps in basic education.

🚓 Oplan Balik-Eskwela: Ensuring Safety with PNP Deployment

On the security front, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is rolling out an extensive deployment plan under “Oplan Balik-Eskwela.” More than 37,000 police officers will be stationed across public and private school zones to ensure peace and order as students head back to their classrooms.

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced that 5,079 Police Assistance Desks will be manned by 10,759 officers, ready to offer real-time assistance to students, parents, and school personnel. An additional 10,687 police will patrol via mobile units, while 16,366 will be on foot patrol to maintain visibility and responsiveness, especially in densely populated areas.

“Our number one priority is the safety of learners and school communities. We are in full coordination with DepEd, LGUs, and community stakeholders to ensure a secure, peaceful return to classes,” said Torre in a press release.

🧹 Brigada Eskwela: A Community Effort for a Clean Start

As part of the build-up to class reopening, PNP personnel and thousands of volunteers actively participated in the Brigada Eskwela program. This annual bayanihan movement includes the cleaning, repainting, and repair of classrooms and school facilities, reinforcing a culture of collective responsibility for education.

According to DepEd's official guidelines, Brigada Eskwela is more than just a clean-up drive—it’s a symbol of community solidarity and school readiness. And this year, participation was heightened, reflecting a shared eagerness to bring back face-to-face learning in well-maintained and safe environments.