The Beginning: Preparation for the Academic Year 2023-2024

The opening of the class this Academic Year 2023-2024 is one of the most anticipated activities prepared not only by the Department of Education but also by the entire community. The immediate return of students to schools in more expanded face-to-face classes is expected.

That is why schools have also pushed through their preparations.

On the 3rd day of August 2023, the Department of Education announced the formal opening of classes in all elementary and high schools in the Philippines for the School Year 2023-2024 which will begin on August 29 and will end on June 14, 2024 pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 11480, otherwise known as An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty (220) Class Days.

That is why the Department of Education provided technical assistance to public schools regarding compliance with the recommendations stated in DepEd Order 22 signed by Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte. Enrollment for the upcoming school year begins on August 7 to 26, 2023.

Therefore, the methods used by schools to encourage parents to enroll their children for the 2023-2024 school year are varied.

There were motorcades and home and community visitations where teachers brought the enrollment campaign closer to parents and the entire community. Social media has also been active in running schools with announcements and other information about the opening of classes. There are also schools flocked by parents to enroll their children, while schools are still ensuring and following health and safety protocols.

Meanwhile, the holding of Brigada Eskwela has become more intense this year because according to Sec. Duterte, the spirit and cooperation of teachers, students, and parents is more important. That's why the agency has decided to cancel the previous Best Implementing Contest that was held every year in schools.

Still under DepEd Order 22, the Department will implement the Brigada Eskwela Program on August 7-19, 2023, with the theme, “Bayanihan Para sa MATATAG na Paaralan.” At the national kickoff of the 2023 Brigada Eskwela on Monday, August 7 at the Tarlac National High School, Sec. Duterte explained that the initiative is an appeal to every Filipino to be brave and help prepare for the opening of classes.

In this regard, the Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE), which is an annual initiative for the entrance where part of the preparation to further strengthen the ability of teachers to use effective teaching strategies for students, will also be carried out from August 14 to 26.

According to DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa, they expect the enrollees to reach 28.7 million to 28.8 million this year.

Many more need to be enrolled so teachers in all schools are continuing with different methods of encouragement. The schools are working with the parents and various stakeholders in preparing the schools to be safe and pleasant for the return of the students.

The changes that will be implemented at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year are yet another challenge for the leadership of the Department of Education, teachers, parents, and students.

The cooperation of the whole community is still the pillar of realizing a stable future for Filipino youth. Here are some of the pictures from the school: