In preparation for the economic integration of the Southeast Asian region this coming 2015, the top Philippine universities De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas have already expressed their openness to shifting the start of their academic calendars to July, August or September in an effort to adapt to globalization and attract foreign students as well as facilitate the enrolment of both Filipino students and faculty members at overseas partner universities.

While considering the concerns and adjustments that need to be addressed to ensure a smooth transition, the Board of Trustees of Ateneo, at its 5 February 2014 meeting, approved the academic calendar shift from June-March to August-May effective school year 2015-2016 for the Loyola Schools and the Professional Schools. Concurrently, the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines System (UP System) on Thursday 6 February, also agreed to move the start of the school year from June to August this year, although its flagship campus in Diliman will keep the same calendar due to opposition registered by sectors.

Ateneo has taken the initiative to align its schedule with 80% of its current overseas partner universities as well as 70% of universities around the globe who follow the August to May schedule.

The main motivation behind the move is to become more adaptable with the increasingly globalized academic society. This will allow Philippine universities to engage more in partnerships, programmes and opportunities with institutions abroad.

Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is concerned about implications to professional licensure exams schedules and the gap months after high school, which ends in March. A technical committee has been organized to study the implications and submit a proposal to the Chairperson.

Sources:
Ateneo de Manila University announcement
Rappler
Inquirer.net