DepEd Confirms June 16 Start for SY 2025–2026, Giving Filipino Children a Fresh Start

The Department of Education (DepEd) officially set June 16, 2025, as the opening date for School Year 2025–2026. The agency announced this on April 17, confirming the academic year will end on March 31, 2026. This decision restores the traditional June-to-March school calendar and addresses long-standing calls from parents, educators, and health experts.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the shift, returning to a schedule more aligned with the country’s climate and daily realities. According to the Inquirer article published on April 17, DepEd committed to a gradual transition starting this year, with shorter school breaks and adjusted class days.

What It Means for Filipino Children’s Books and Learners

DepEd’s move allows students to avoid attending classes during peak summer months when extreme heat makes learning difficult. With a school year starting in June, parents and teachers can better plan for instruction, co-curricular programs, and enrichment activities—including those that promote Filipino children’s books.

As learners prepare to return to school in June, libraries and reading groups can build campaigns to introduce new titles and promote reading habits among the youth. The academic shift offers a golden opportunity for websites like Pinoy Kids Read Online to support literacy by highlighting Filipino children’s books that reflect culture, imagination, and values.

Brigada Eskwela Starts June 9

DepEd also announced that Brigada Eskwela, the annual school cleanup drive, will run from June 9 to 13. Communities will come together to prepare classrooms, repair minor damages, and ensure readiness for the new school year.

This proactive move sets the tone for a better learning experience—and gives stakeholders the time to organize reading programs, distribute Filipino children’s books, and connect more students to local literature.

Calendar Adjustment Brings School Life Back in Sync

DepEd published the updated school calendar under Department Order No. 003, s. 2024. The revised schedule follows the gradual return announced last year and continues efforts to fix disruptions caused by the pandemic-era shift to August school openings.

This change also aligns learning milestones with key events and seasons in the Philippines—making it easier to schedule literacy drives and storytelling activities centered on Filipino children’s books.