LAZY DAYS

"Lazy Days" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. It was released in the United Kingdom on 14 July 1997 as the second single from his debut studio album, Life thru a Lens (1997). According to Williams, the song is about being young, optimistic about the future and not afraid of committing mistakes. The song became a top-10 hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. I just listened to it and got today's idea for my column.

Is it normal to have lazy days? Having the occasional lazy day should be a more widespread tradition. Rather than being seen as unproductive, a lazy day should be viewed as a day dedicated to well-deserved idle time and improved mental health. I even like to talk about more than a single day.

Doing nothing  brings a lot of positive impacts on your physical health by giving relaxation. Stay in your bed for the entire day, enjoy a sound sleep without any stress or work, and believe me, every muscle and bone of your body will feel refreshing because of the rest.

Indeed, you don't get anything for nothing in life. This is our life's main motto. This is our biography's epigraph - whether we like it or not. Many times, I stressed this already in different write-ups in distinct publications.

Hurray, doing nothing is really something. No, I am not talking about those people, who just hang out day-by-day and week-by-week by doing nothing and -maybe- just fed by someone. No, I mean doing nothing is really something great after a period  of really hard work. By the way, it doesn't matter, if it regards us or our children. 

I still remember several lazy summer days, sitting in the blazing sun (shouldn't be done anymore of course!), eating a Popsicle, getting all sticky, and running away from the bees. Of course, while still in Germany, those old lazy summer days turned into lazy winter days too. Lazy days shaped and characterized my whole (especially professional) life until now.

Relaxation, meditation and reinvigoration are needed. Life, affected by the "burnout syndrome" needs to reanimate with energy. Burnout is a condition in which people are emotionally, mentally, cognitively, and physically exhausted by their work responsibilities. Most people spend a significant portion of their time at work and, as a result, can easily become burned out.

So let's rest for a while to acquire new energy. 

Quirino Bridge in Bantay town, Ilocos Sur

 

ILOCOS SUR CUTOFF Quirino Bridge in Bantay town, Ilocos Sur, had two sections washed away by the swelling, raging river, its water thickened with mud, during the onslaught of Typhoon “Egay” in northern Luzon on Wednesday. Among the worst hit by the typhoon, Ilocos Sur and neighboring Ilocos Norte have been declared under a state of calamity. —JOHN NOEL ANDAYA/CONTRIBUTOR

Power of the roots: AboitizPower’s mangrove conservation initiatives

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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As communities feel the effects of a warming world, the importance of propagating and protecting mangroves stand out in the efforts to mitigate carbon emissions buildup. While already being able to sequester three to five times more carbon than forest trees, mangroves also do a lot more, serving as a habitat for various species in coastal ecosystems — hence, sustaining the livelihoods of fisherfolk — and as a protector of vulnerable communities against erosion and storm surges. 

Volunteers from public, private and civil society organizations work together at TMI, not just in planting mangroves, but also in fostering strong partnerships and creating a platform for knowledge exchange and shared responsibility in mangrove conservation.

In celebration of the International Day for Conservation of Mangroves, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) recognizes the tremendous importance of mangroves, as well as the exemplary efforts of its business units and stakeholders in helping conserve and restore mangrove forests in their communities. 

It takes a village to raise a mangrove ecosystem

In Maco, Davao de Oro, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) celebrated Philippine Environmental Month last June with another one of its quarterly collaborations with the public sector and civil society organizations in cleaning the coast and planting mangroves within its vicinity.

“The first mangrove tree planting and clean-up drive took place in 2019, and since then, it has become a recurring event for TMI,” shared TMI Safety, Health and Environment Supervisor Chrisyl Garcia. “By organizing these activities on a regular basis, TMI is able to contribute to  the restoration of mangrove habitats and the overall well-being of coastal ecosystems.”

Volunteers from JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba — a leadership organization of young Davaoeña achievers and active citizens — are immersed in mangrove planting at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

“By conducting these events, TMI aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and engage community members, volunteers, and employees in hands-on conservation efforts. The initiative has likely fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among participants,” she added.

On that single June day, a total of 110 kilograms of residual waste were collected, while 550 mangrove seedlings were planted. 

Over the years, TMI's mangrove planting and clean-up drive has consistently gained momentum, with increased participation from volunteers from the Diocese of Maco,  the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the 1001st Brigade, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and local private company Gas Island Petroleum Corp.

“These stakeholders have played a crucial role in leading discussions on how to effectively plant the mangroves. Their expertise and experience have been invaluable in guiding the participants on the proper techniques and methods of planting mangrove saplings. They share their knowledge about the ideal planting locations, appropriate species selection, and necessary care and maintenance practices for the newly planted mangroves,” Garcia said.

This collaboration has enhanced the success and impact of TMI's mangrove planting and clean-up drives, ensuring that the activities are conducted in a well-informed and efficient manner.

“Overall, the consistent involvement of volunteers and leaders in discussing mangrove planting techniques underscores the collective effort and shared commitment towards the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems,” Garcia reflected.

Adopt-a-mangrove

Meanwhile, in Mariveles, Bataan, GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) officially kick-started its own efforts in mangrove conservation by signing a memorandum of agreement  (MOA) with development partners for an estimated P7-million “5 Hectares Orani Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project” that is expected to start implementation in September.

Under the MOA, GMEC partnered with the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the allotted five hectares for a period of five years, which is subject for possible renewal.

Representatives from GMEC, the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association sign an MOA on mangrove adoption and protection.

“Through this initiative, we envision to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the Province of Bataan, starting in the Municipality of Orani,” said GMEC Associate Vice President for Community Relations Arcel Madrid. “Adopting a mangrove site is vital for coal-fired power plant companies like GMEC because mangrove forests play a significant role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.”

“With these efforts, GMEC will also help uplift the lives of our community partner, the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association, by providing a sustainable fishing ground and viable alternative livelihood to improve their socio-economic status,” he added.

In the longer run, GMEC looks forward to more mangrove site adoption projects and other corporate social responsibility endeavors that are aligned with local and national development goals.

A coastal stronghold

At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary, not just of pawikans (turtles) and rare bird species, but also of mangrove biodiversity.

“It’s unbelievable how [the] Aboitiz [Foundation] has developed Punta Dumalag Cleanergy Park to what it is today,” said frequent visitor Cyra Quilaneta of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Davaoeña Daba-Daba. “The highlight for us [in visiting the park] is the education and experience it provides our members and their guests, especially the youth. We get to appreciate the importance of mangroves by seeing its functions personally — trapping [coastal] trashes and [supporting] turtle hatcheries.” 

The team at AboitizPower distribution unit Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) spearhead the activities at the Cleanergy Park, which include educating students and guests by hosting tours, as well as assisting them with mangrove planting.

“JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba, together with JCI Davao, is an organization that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #14: Life Below Water… By protecting and restoring mangroves, we contribute to overall sustainable development,” Cyra said.

To date, 18,138 mangroves have been planted at the Cleanergy Park. However, several natural and man-made factors  have rendered its survival rate at only 30 percent. 

“While [the] Aboitiz Foundation and its partners have made commendable strides in mangrove protection, the task is far from complete. Mangrove protection requires collective effort to be effective. Mangroves face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction,” Cyra explained. “To ensure the long-term viability of mangrove ecosystems, ongoing efforts are necessary. Continuous awareness, education and action of more groups and organizations is crucial.”

“Sustainability remains at the core of AboitizPower and our business units have concretized this through their efforts in caring for mangrove ecosystems and the wider environment,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “I commend our team members for helping harness the collective efforts of the company, various partners, and host communities in bringing us closer to our aspiration of a better and cleaner tomorrow.”

EU envoy celebrates Filipinas’ World Cup win with ‘taho’

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

  

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Filipinos may have grown up hearing “manong (seller)” shout taho, or silky tofu with sugar, every morning, but this is something new to try for European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron who decided the taho was the perfect celebratory snack for the Filipinas’ first goal in the FIFA World Cup.

(Photos from EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron via Twitter)

In a tweet, the envoy added to his #MeriendaNiLuc series with the taho, a silky tofu topped with sugar syrup and small tapioca pearls that’s recently ranked 25th in the best street foods in the world by online travel guide TasteAtlas.

Veron even tweeted in the way sellers would usually shout at the top of their lungs to sell the popular morning snack. 

“Tahoo!!” he emulated in his tweet.

“To celebrate the @PilipinasWNFT win (Philippine flag) trying this iconic affordable snack that also recently won a place in the list of best street foods in the world!” he wrote.

Filipinas, the first Philippine football team to reach the World Cup, stunned New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25, after forward Sarina Bolden made the goal in the 24th minute of the team’s Group A clash.

With the win, the Philippines secured its first World Cup win to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive. 

But as for the taho, Veron said he was told of its popularity among Filipinos.

“I am told this is a popular breakfast but is also perfect for #MeriendaNiLuc. Salamat po (Thank you), Mang Ronald!,” he posted.

Among the other native Filipino delicacies and snacks that the ambassador has tried in the past are the pichi-pichi, Choc Nut, Choco Mallows, Cream-O, and Minasa.

Proudly Filipino, Eggesvik ready for Norway on Sunday

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

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AUCKLAND – Born in Norway but proudly Filipino, talented midfielder Sara Eggesvik will set her feelings aside and will be battle-ready as the Filipinas play the Gresshoppene (the Grasshoppers) in a critical match on Sunday, July 30, at the close of Group A in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park here.

Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.

“We have to put that aside when the game starts. I am playing for the Philippines. I will do my best to get a win and get points,” Eggesvik said emphatically shortly after the Filipinas upset the Ferns 1-0  for their historic first World Cup win at the Sky Stadium in Wellington last Tuesday.

Another of Australian coach Alen Stajcic’s prized finds, Eggesvik, whose father is Norwegian and mother from Davao, was born in the coastal city of Bodø (pronounced Budo), 1,188.5 kilometers northeast of the capital of Oslo and located near the Artic Circle. 

She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

With a cross inside the box, Eggesvik  set up striker Sarina Bolden, whose smashing header in the 24th minute proved to be the winning marker that gave the Filipinas a new lease on life after suffering a 0-2 setback to Switzerland in Dunedin last week.

“I remember getting the ball in the 16-meter (box) and just crossed it. It was an amazing header by Sarina over three defenders.  Although it was only one goal we had to keep them away from goal the rest of the way. It was a team effort. I am just so glad and grateful. I am so proud of this team,” she said.

Trying to hold back her tears, Eggesvik, 26, said the victory over the fancied Ferns showed that “this team is really something special. It shows we can compete at this level and we will keep on fighting. 

It shows that it is possible to get a win, to get a goal and get points from our games. That motivates us. I am glad that we are not out already.”

She paid credit to Stajcic and the rest of the coaching staff “who keep on pushing us and making us better every day. We have always believed in ourselves even when we lost and played bad games. We will keep on playing hard.”

She acknowledged that while they would savor the winning moment, it would be back to the salt mines just as immediately in preparation for their crucial match against the top-ranked Norwegians composed of a bevy of superstars led by striker Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.

“We have to restart again and think of the next game. Because it is coming soon, it is only a few days to go. We have to take advantage with what we have,” she said. “We want to see if we can create trouble and be competitive.  To  keep our heads down and keep fighting.”

While it appears to be a tall order, Eggesvik said that toppling Norway would not only mean advancing to the knockout round but  also will have a huge impact for football development back home.

“Going to the knockout stage, that would mean a lot. From being a small football country, we can inspire a lot of girls and boys to start playing football and show that it is possible to do something great although you are from the Philippines,” she stressed. 

Sara Eggesvik singing the “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine national anthem, before the game against New Zealand.

Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.

Weather cyclone outside PH intensifies into tropical storm

By Arlie O. Calalo

July 28, 2023 20

THE state-run weather agency on Friday said the tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into a tropical storm called "Khanun."

In a 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Khanun was estimated at 1,315 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80kph, it is moving west-southwestward at 15kph, Pagasa said.

Based on its forecast track, the tropical cyclone may enter PAR between late Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Once inside PAR, the domestic name "Falcon" will be assigned to this tropical cyclone, the state weather bureau said.

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It will be the sixth storm to hit the country this year and the third this month, it added.

Likely to continuously intensify within the next five days, it may further escalate into a typhoon late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning.

"However, the hoisting of storm signals over any portion of the country due to this tropical cyclone is unlikely," Pagasa said.

Moreover, Pagasa said this may enhance the southwest monsoon locally known as "habagat," which will trigger occasional or monsoon rains across the country particularly over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said that all storm signals have been lifted as Typhoon "Egay" exited PAR as it entered the Taiwan Strait and headed for Fujian, China.

New tropical depression threatens PH as Typhoon Egay left PAR

Another weather disturbance is threatening the country after Typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri) battered parts of Luzon before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday morning.

Water levels in major Luzon dams rise; 3 dams to release water

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jul 27, 2023 10:32 AM

  

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The rains from typhoon Egay and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” caused the water levels in eight major dams in Luzon to rise, based on the 24-hour rainfall monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said the water levels at Ipo Dam, Ambuklao Dam, and Binga Dam increased on Thursday morning, July 27 to 101.2 meters, 751 meters, and 574.63 meters, respectively.

These were significantly higher than the previous day’s record of 99.5 meters, 746.43 meters, and 568.52 meters, respectively.

PAGASA warned of possible flooding as the three dams were expected to release water on Thursday.

“The water level of Ipo Dam as of 8 a.m. is 101.2 meters and continuously rising due to the expected rains caused by the current weather system. With this development, Ipo Dam will conduct spilling operation, with one spilling gate to open at 11 a.m., with an initial discharge of 61 cms (cubic meters per second),” PAGASA said in a flood advisory.

It advised the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, as well as residents living in low-lying areas and near the river banks of the Angat River in Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Paombong, and Hagonoy in Bulacan, to be on alert for a possible rise in the river’s level.

Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan (Photo courtesy of MWSS)

In a separate advisory, PAGASA warned that water discharge from Ambuklao Dam and Binga Dam, both in Benguet, may affect Barangay Ambuklao in Bokod town, as well as Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan in Itogon town.

Ambuklao Dam will have eight gates opened at 5 meters each, while Binga Dam will have six gates opened at 5.5 meters each.

The water discharge will be caught by the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, which is part of a series of cascading dams that include the upstream Ambuklao and Binga Dams.

As the Pangasinan dam is still at a low water level, it may benefit from the water released by the Ambuklao and Binga dams.

As of Thursday, the water level at San Roque Dam was 247.13 meters, much lower than the 280-meter normal water level. Its previous day’s record was 238.25 meters.

Other dams

PAGASA said four other major dams also benefitted from the light to heavy rains brought on by Egay and the enhanced habagat.

Angat Dam’s water level slightly increased from 181.64 meters on Wednesday to 182.98 meters on Thursday.

Although it is already above the 180-meter minimum dam operating level, it is still much lower than the 210-meter normal high water level during the rainy season.

The Angat and Ipo dams are in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

La Mesa Dam in Quezon City and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija also saw a slight rise in water levels from 79.14 meters to 79.23 meters, and from 183.63 meters to 184.11 meters, respectively.

Meanwhile, Isabela’s Magat Dam saw a notable rise in water level, from 165.39 meters to 169.32 meters.

Pantabangan and Magat dams remain significantly below their normal levels at 216 meters and 190 meters, respectively, while La Mesa Dam is near its spilling level of 80.15 meters.

Food lessons for life

As was the practice at the time, all kids had to know how to cook.

  

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AT A GLANCE

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Like many of my contemporaries, I was raised in a home shared by three generations. We had no maids. Relatives came to help and were in turn raised like members of the family. They were sent to school along with the children of the household.

Such was the case with distant cousin Gloria, who was taken in when her parents died. Raised in the interior barrio Salinas in Bacoor, Cavite, she was a real probinsyana, which I now realize was her best asset.

As was the practice at the time, all kids had to know how to cook. For starters, Gloria took me and my brothers to the market in Zapote on weekend mornings when we had no school. Zapote was—and still is—popular in the area for fresh fish from Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna. Lowland vegetables were also brought in by farmers who sold to vendors from other markets.

From Gloria, I learned the names of fish from ponds, from oceans, and from the fresh waters of Laguna de Bay. She pointed out the stripes that distinguish malabansi from ayungin, the scales that identify cheap kapak from classy banak. We also became familiar with dozens of shellfish.

Pinakbet

Apart from knowing the names of all the fish in the market, I learned how much they cost and how best to cook each kind. I was patienty guided through the delicate process of killing hito (catfish) by sprinkling salt over its gills, then removing the slime from its body using ash from our wood-fired stove.

Because Lola made bagoong every week, we had to regularly clean the fresh alamang (small shrimp) one handful at a time. The same method was used to remove foreign objects from tiny dulong, which always ended up as pinangat or in omelets.

Hito (catfish)

Tips and secrets

The secret of smooth dinuguan with no lumps, Gloria showed us, was to mash the fresh blood with torn banana leaf minutes before pouring the blood into the seasoned cooked meat. But first, she made sure the fresh blood was unsalted. Salted blood would make dinuguan watery, she explained. Whenever possible, she cooked dinuguan one day before it was to be served to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. More vinegar was added to achieve the right degree of sourness.
Thanks to her, our stuffed inihaw na bangus was never fishy. She sautéed the salted sliced onions and tomatoes before stuffing them into the raw fish, which had been slit along the back fin. Wrapped in banana leaf and grilled until the wrapping was almost scorched, the dish was savory and cooked through out, with no trace of fishiness. I use the same technique today with other fish as well.

Dinuguan

Seasons and reasons

During the rainy season when no fresh fish were available, we had to rely on dried salted fish. Most often it was dried dilis (anchovy) of various sizes. They were cheap, easy to store, and versatile. Gloria had the small ones either fried or toasted in a pan with no oil. The large dilis were rinsed well to reduce saltiness, their bellies and heads pinched off for better flavor and presentation as meat substitute in apritada, pinakbet, and ginataan. I still prepare these dishes today even when I have fresh fish on hand.

Dishes that last

We went to the market every morning and were taught ways to keep food for the next meals from spoiling. Meat and fish were often seasoned and dried in the sun or hung from the ceiling above the stove where smoke flavored and preserved them. Sometimes we had paksiw. The fish was cooked in vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper. Cooked properly, the paksiw could keep a few days.  The same recipe, without vinegar, is pinangat, which Gloria cooked almost dry but kept moist with a few tablespoons of cooking oil or rendered pork fat.

Cooked viands that were good to eat for a couple of days were a must-learn from Gloria: kilawing puso ng saging, dinuguan, adobo, and bopis. She was very strict about clean spoons or laddles used in spooning food from the pot.

Future foodies

During summer vacations, Gloria helped us set up a small halo-halo stall by teaching us to make preserved fruits and leche flan. Thus, we sold the best halo-halo in our barrio by using the biggest number and most colorful ingredients: ube halaya, sweet beans, red mongo, bananas in syrup, kaong, gulaman, sweetened kamote, white beans, sago. The experience instilled in us a passion for food entrepreneurship.

I was in high school when Gloria did not come home from joining a Good Friday procession. She came home after a week with her boyfriend and his parents. They were married a few days later. Their three daughters all went into the food business, catering for birthdays, weddings, and special events in Las Piñas.
My brothers and I, her first students, used the skills we learned both at home and in our professional lives. Cris had a popular eatery at the town’s cockpit. Tony migrated to Japan and ran a bar/restaurant in Sakai City. I write about food.

DepEd eyes August 29 as the start of classes for School Year 2023-2024

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

  

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is eyeing Aug. 29 as the school opening date for public schools this incoming School Year (SY) 2023-2024.

(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)

“We are finalizing the DO [Department Order] now and we are looking at, probably, towards the end of August,” DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa told the Manila Bulletin in an interview on the sidelines of the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 26.

“We’re looking at August 29 (Tuesday) but everything is tentative until the Department Order is signed,” Poa said. Originally, DepEd is considering Aug. 28 as the start of classes but the date falls on a holiday in observance of the National Heroes’ Day. 

Poa said that the set of guidelines that DepEd is currently working on will be “omnibus” which will include the “Brigada Eskwela” and the school calendar for the new school year.

In the guidelines, Poa said that adjustments have been made particularly on the participation of teachers in activities such as the end-of-school-year rites.

DepEd, Poa said, has received concerns that some teachers were being asked to report to school before the graduation rites even if these are not included in the school calendar.

Classes for SY 2022-2023 opened on Aug. 22, 2022. DepEd data showed that over 28 million children went back to school two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

For the first three months, public schools were allowed adopted distance / blended learning aside from the five-day in-person classes.

On Nov. 2, 2023, DepEd implemented 100 percent face-to-face classes in all public schools.

Due to the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, face-to-face classes were not allowed in SY 2020-2021 and SY 2021-2022.

Instead, DepEd shifted to distance learning --- where students learned their lessons at home through multiple learning delivery modalities such as printed/offline modular; online; radio and television-based instruction; and blended learning or a combination of two delivery modes.