More Filipino Kids Can Now Start School Sooner: DepEd Adjusts Kindergarten Cut-Off Age to October 31

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A sweeping change in the education landscape is about to unfold — one that could shape the future of thousands of Filipino children. The Department of Education (DepEd), in a decisive move aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has revised the cut-off age for Kindergarten learners, opening more doors to early childhood education beginning School Year 2025–2026.

Gone is the rigid August 31 cut-off that has long kept September- and October-born children waiting an extra year to begin formal learning. Under the new policy, any child who turns five years old on or before October 31 of the school year is now eligible for Kindergarten enrollment.

A Policy Shift That Echoes Through Filipino Homes

For many Filipino families, this adjustment is not just a bureaucratic change — it’s a long-awaited relief.

Take the case of Ramil Bautista from Pasig City. With bright eyes and a hopeful voice, he’s preparing to enroll his son, Noah, in Bagong Ilog Elementary School this June. Noah turns five this August, making him eligible under both the old and new rules. But Ramil’s voice thickens with emotion when he thinks of other families.

“Marami sa mga bata, lalo na yung pinanganak ng September o October, dati ay napag-iiwanan. Ngayon, magkakaroon sila ng pantay na pagkakataon,” he said.

For Ramil, early education is the cornerstone of a child’s future — a belief now reinforced by national policy.

“Gusto ko matutunan ng anak ko hindi lang ang pagbasa at pagsusulat, kundi pati ang paggalang, pakikitungo sa kapwa, at disiplina. Hindi lahat ‘yan natuturo sa bahay.”

Not Just Numbers — But Lives

This change is expected to benefit tens of thousands of children annually — kids who, under the previous policy, would have spent another year waiting, missing out on crucial developmental milestones achieved through structured learning.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, in his statement, emphasized the deeper rationale behind the change.

“This policy is rooted in our understanding that every child grows and learns at their own pace. By allowing more flexibility in the Kindergarten age requirement, we are making sure that each learner has the opportunity to start strong and succeed from day one.”

And for children who turn five between November 1 and December 31, all hope is not lost. These children can still enroll — provided they’ve completed a one-year Early Childhood Development (ECD) program from a recognized Child Development or Learning Center, or if they meet readiness through the ECD checklist during enrollment and the first week of classes.

Ensuring Readiness and Flexibility

Private schools are also mandated to adopt the revised cut-off, though they retain the discretion to conduct their own readiness assessments. This measure ensures that quality remains uncompromised, while providing flexibility for educational institutions.

With over 1.8 million Kindergarten learners enrolled in 2024 out of a total 26.4 million learners in public and private schools — including Philippine Schools Overseas — DepEd anticipates a rise in enrollees following this adjustment.

The nationwide enrollment period for public schools is scheduled for June 9 to 13, 2025, while the official start of classes for School Year 2025–2026 is June 16.

A Nation Building Better Foundations

In a society where education is often seen as the great equalizer, this revised policy resonates beyond the school gates. It signifies a government that listens, adapts, and responds to the real needs of Filipino families.

It’s more than just a change in numbers. It’s a shift in mindset. A recognition that every child deserves a head start, regardless of the date printed on their birth certificate.

And for parents like Ramil — and countless others like him — this is a victory worth celebrating. One that reminds us that the true measure of progress is when even the smallest voices are finally heard, welcomed, and given the tools to dream, learn, and lead.

Bagong Pilipinas, after all, begins with the bagong pag-asa of every Filipino child.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.