DepEd, pinabulaanan ang kumakalat na fake news ukol sa "Grade 13" sa senior high

- DepEd labeled as “fake news” a viral post claiming the addition of Grade 13 in School Year 2025–2026

- Only Grades 11 and 12 are currently part of the senior high school curriculum in the Philippines

- DepEd urged the public to verify information through its official social media channels to avoid misinformation

- Classes for SY 2025–2026 will begin on June 16, 2025, and end on March 31, 2026, returning to the pre-pandemic school calendar

The Department of Education (DepEd) has dismissed as "fake news" a social media post claiming the addition of a Grade 13 level in senior high school starting School Year 2025–2026, GMA News reported.

Over the weekend, DepEd flagged a Facebook post featuring a publication material that misleadingly stated the introduction of Grade 13.

Currently, the Philippine basic education curriculum only includes Grade 11 and Grade 12 in the senior high school program.

In an official statement, DepEd warned the public against misinformation and urged everyone to verify news before sharing it online.

“The Department of Education once again reminds the public to be vigilant and discerning when it comes to information. For official announcements and updates related to basic education, please refer only to the verified DepEd Philippines social media accounts,” the agency said.

DepEd reiterated that there are no plans to implement an additional grade level in senior high school.

The misleading post has sparked confusion and concern among students and parents, prompting the department to issue a clarification.

Meanwhile, DepEd confirmed that the upcoming school year will begin on June 16, 2025, and end on March 31, 2026.

This marks a return to the original school calendar prior to adjustments made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DepEd continues to emphasize the importance of staying informed through legitimate sources to avoid the spread of false information.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, Arnie Benedicto, the Barangay Captain of Lantad, Silay City and the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of the supporters of the incumbent mayor of the said city, has surrendered to the authorities. It can be recalled that early on Monday, May 12, 2025, news about the fatal shooting that resulted in two deaths and seven injuries spread like wildfire online. The shooting incident is claimed to be linked to alleged vote buying monitoring activities. Witnesses say the violence erupted after Benedicto reportedly fired upon volunteers of “Team Ugyon” who were monitoring alleged vote-buying activities outside a property associated with “Team Asenso.”

Still in other news, a 65-year-old man, Nestor Rensales, died after voting in Oas, Albay during the midterm elections. Rensales, a stroke survivor, felt dizzy and collapsed shortly after casting his vote at Oas South Central Elementary School, ABS-CBN reported. His wife shared that he insisted on voting despite the heat and early crowd, believing his vote still mattered. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Source: KAMI.com.gh