Presidential Authority during Emergencies
- If a state of emergency or calamity is declared, the President can set a different start date for the school year.
- This authority can apply nationwide or to specific regions.
- The President acts upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Education.
Applicability to All Basic Education Schools
- The deferred start date applies to all basic education schools, including foreign and international schools, regardless of other contrary laws.
Determination of the School Year End Date
- The Secretary of Education is tasked with determining the end of the regular school year.
- Considerations include Christmas and summer vacations and the unique circumstances of each region.
Authorization of Saturday Classes
- The Secretary of Education may authorize Saturday classes at elementary and secondary levels.
- This applies to both public and private schools.
Rules and Regulations for Implementation
- The Department of Education must issue implementing rules and regulations within 30 days of the Act’s effectivity.
- These rules are to be created in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Repealing Clause
- All existing laws, decrees, orders, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Legislative Process and Approval
- The law was passed by the Senate as Senate Bill No. 1541 and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 6895.
- The law was approved by the President of the Philippines on July 17, 2020.