DepEd Debunks ‘Fake News’ of Added Saturday Classes, Reinforces Commitment to 5-Day School Week
Manila, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has categorically dismissed circulating social media posts alleging the implementation of Saturday classes for elementary to senior high school students, labeling them as “fake news.” This clarification comes amidst the backdrop of the recently commenced School Year 2025-2026, which saw approximately 27 million students enrolling across various educational levels. The DepEd’s firm denial seeks to allay any public confusion and reiterate its commitment to the established five-day school week structure.
The department expressed concern over the rapid spread of misinformation and urged the public to exercise caution and critical thinking when encountering such claims. It emphasized the importance of verifying information through reliable sources and cautioned against blindly accepting and sharing unverified posts on social media. The DepEd reiterated its dedication to transparency and open communication, advising individuals to refer to their official website and social media channels for accurate and up-to-date information.
With the new school year already underway, the department stressed its focus on ensuring a smooth and effective learning experience for all students. It highlighted its commitment to providing quality education within the established framework of the five-day school week, reaffirming that no plans exist to introduce Saturday classes. The DepEd underscored its continuous efforts to enhance the educational system and encouraged stakeholders to remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation that could disrupt the academic environment.
The department further elaborated on the potential negative consequences of the spread of fake news, emphasizing that such misinformation can create unnecessary anxiety and confusion among students, parents, and educators. It can also erode public trust in the department and its efforts to improve the education system. The DepEd reiterated its plea for responsible social media usage and encouraged individuals to report any instances of misinformation they encounter.
Furthermore, the DepEd detailed its ongoing initiatives to combat the proliferation of fake news. These initiatives include enhanced monitoring of social media platforms, proactive information dissemination through official channels, and collaboration with fact-checking organizations. The department also highlighted its efforts to educate students and the broader community on media literacy and critical thinking skills, equipping them with the tools to discern accurate information from misinformation.
The DepEd concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to transparency and open communication with the public. It encouraged stakeholders to continue engaging with the department through official channels and to actively participate in the collective effort to combat the spread of fake news. The department reiterated its dedication to providing quality education within the existing five-day school week structure and urged the public to remain vigilant against misleading information.