The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, May 23, said it remains steadfast in its preparations for the upcoming school year — with Secretary of Education Sonny Angara continuing to lead efforts despite a pending courtesy resignation.

“Tuloy-tuloy lang po ang pagtatrabaho ng ating kalihim, full-blast ang ating preparations para sa nalalapit na pagbubukas ng bagong school year natin in less than a month (Our Secretary continues to work nonstop, and our preparations are in full blast for the upcoming opening of the new school year in less than a month),” DepEd Media Relations Chief Dennis Legaspi told reporters via Viber.

Following orders from President Marcos, Angara officially resigned from his post on May 22.

Amid the Cabinet revamp, DepEd reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient opening of School Year (SY) 2025–2026 this June.

Preparations include classroom readiness, teacher deployment, and logistical coordination across regions.

In April, DepEd announced that classes for SY 2025–2026 will officially begin on June 16, marking a return to the pre-pandemic academic calendar.

This schedule is outlined in DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2025, issued on April 15, titled “Multi-Year Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities.” According to the order, SY 2025–2026 will start on Monday, June 16, 2025, and end on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The school year will consist of no more than 197 class days, including the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites. However, adjustments may be made if unforeseen events necessitate calendar changes.

Private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state and local universities and colleges offering basic education are encouraged to adopt the guidelines, provided they meet the required number of class days and adhere to the official school opening date.

DepEd emphasized that in-person classes will remain the primary mode of instruction. However, Distance Learning Delivery Modalities (DLDMs)—such as Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), TV-Based Instruction (TVI), Radio-Based Instruction (RBI), or blended learning—may be implemented if in-person classes are suspended due to emergencies or hazards.

Early registration is encouraged for kindergarten, first-time learners entering basic education, transferees to public schools, incoming Grades 1, 7, and 11, as well as prospective learners in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Typically, early registration runs from the last Saturday of January to the last Friday of February, although the schedule may be adjusted by DepEd or extended by the Schools Division Office (SDO) if necessary.

Learners entering Grades 2–6, 8–10, and 12 are automatically considered pre-registered. DepEd said that the enrollment period will take place one week before classes officially begin.

Meanwhile, “Brigada Eskwela” — the annual National Schools Maintenance Week that mobilizes communities to prepare public schools—will also be held in the week leading up to the opening of classes.

As this year’s Palarong Pambansa kicks off in Ilocos Norte, DepEd highlights the administration’s commitment to holistic education, fostering both academic and athletic excellence among Filipino youth.

Legaspi said Angara is scheduled to be in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on May 24 to join President Marcos in the official opening of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.

This national sports event gathers student-athletes from across the Philippines and is a key initiative promoting youth development, sportsmanship, and physical education.

From May 24 to 31, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, in collaboration with DepEd Region I and the Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte, will host the 65th Palarong Pambansa under the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan.”

This year’s event will feature 24 regular sports, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, and swimming.

In addition to regular competitions, demonstration sports such as weightlifting and futsal (for girls), as well as an exhibition event in kickboxing, will be introduced. The games will also include a special category for athletes with disabilities, featuring para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce, and goalball.

Across all categories—regular events, demonstration sports, and para-games—approximately 1,777 medals will be awarded to recognize and celebrate the achievements of outstanding athletes.

Highlighting Filipino culture, the Palarong Pambansa will also showcase Palaro ng Lahi, a special segment featuring traditional Filipino games designed to promote cultural appreciation and heritage preservation among the youth.

While the courtesy resignation submitted by Angara has yet to be acted upon by Malacañang, DepEd assured the public that all ongoing programs and initiatives remain uninterrupted.

“Habang wala pa namang aksyon ang Malacañang sa courtesy resignation na ipinasa kahapon, tuloy-tuloy po ang lahat ng programa natin sa DepEd (While Malacañang has yet to take action on the courtesy resignation submitted yesterday, all our programs at DepEd will continue as usual),” Legaspi added.