DepEd extends academic year in public schools until July 10, 2021

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 2) — The Department of Education has extended the current school year in public schools by a month.

A department order released on Tuesday said based on monitoring done by the DepEd, learning gaps were seen and have to be addressed "in order to meet the required essential learning competencies."

"These learning gaps are attributable to reduced academic opportunities at home and substantial loss of live contact with teachers," said DepEd order No. 012, series of 2021.

The current school year will now end on July 10, 2021 instead of June 11. 

It also noted certain dates within the period where students would be given interventions to help them attain required essential learning competencies.

The DepEd added while the adjustment was for public elementary and secondary schools, it encourages private schools, as well as technical and vocational institutions and others to also implement the guidelines.