The DepEd School Calendar and Activities for the month of March delineates key dates that serve as milestones for the Philippine educational system. These dates are crucial for schools, teachers, students and parents alike as they organize the academic year and establish a framework for various educational endeavors. From the start of classes to the conclusion of the academic period, each date plays a significant role in ensuring the effective operation of the educational system during March.

Furthermore, amidst these educational benchmarks, the nation also observes numerous events, celebrations and observances specific to March that hold significance. These commemorations extend to cultural, historical and societal events that carry importance for the Filipino populace during this month. They act as reminders of significant moments in Philippine history, celebrate cultural diversity, raise awareness about various issues and foster a sense of unity among citizens.

Collectively, the DepEd School Calendar and Activities for March, along with these other important observances on March form a complex mosaic that binds together the fabric of Filipino society. They symbolize not only the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence but also the diverse array of traditions, values and shared memories that contribute to the Filipino identity during this particular month. Essentially, they serve as threads that connect the past, present and future, guiding the nation towards advancement, enlightenment and the preservation of culture throughout March and beyond.

DepEd IMPORTANT DATES : MARCH 2024

MARCH 4 – 22	National Learning Camp Assessment (NLCA) Pre-Test for Grades 9 and 10
MARCH 10 Sunday	DepEd deadline of submission for CSC 2024 Search for Outstanding Government Workers
MARCH 11 – 15	National Achievement Test (NAT) Schedule for Grade 12
MARCH 25 – 26 Mon. & Tue.	DepEd 3rd Quarter Examination Schedule School Year 2023 – 2024
MARCH 27 Tue.	DepEd End of Academic Quarter 3
MARCH 28 Thursday	Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday)
MARCH 29 Friday	Good Friday (Regular Holiday)
MARCH 30 Saturday	Black Saturday (Regular Holiday)
MARCH 31 Sunday	Civil Service Commission’s deadline of submission for CSC 2024 Search for Outstanding Government Workers

MORE OBSERVANCES for MARCH 2024

MARCH ( Whole Month)	Fire Prevention Month (Proclamation No. 115-A, s. 1966)
MARCH ( Whole Month)	Rabies Awareness Month (Executive Order No. 84, s.1999)
MARCH ( Whole Month)	Women’s Role in History Month (Proclamation No. 227, s. 1988)
MARCH ( Whole Month)	National Women’s Heart Health Month (Proclamation No. 1675, s. 2008)
MARCH (First Week)	Women’s Week , Women’s Rights and International Peace Day (Proclamation No. 224, s. 1988)
MARCH 8 Friday	National Women’s Day / International Women’s Day (Republic Act No. 6949 of 1990)
MARCH (Fourth Week)	Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week (Proclamation No. 759, s. 1996)

MARCH ( Whole Month): Fire Prevention Month

(Proclamation No. 115-A, s. 1966)

• March in the Philippines marks Fire Prevention Month, established by Proclamation No. 115-A, aiming to raise awareness of fire hazards and safety precautions. With rising temperatures and humidity identified by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as heightening fire risks nationwide, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reports a surge in fire incidents during this period. Essential safety measures emphasized by the BFP include electrical and gas safety, adherence to no-smoking policies, proper housekeeping, and emergency preparedness. Public involvement in fire prevention drills and educational programs is encouraged to reinforce evacuation procedures and equip individuals with necessary skills for crisis response. Aligned with Presidential Proclamation 115-A, the country’s commitment to Fire Prevention Month underscores the crucial role of public awareness and preparedness in mitigating fire-related disasters, ensuring the safety of lives and property through a culture of safety consciousness and active participation in preventive measures.

MARCH ( Whole Month): Rabies Awareness Month

(Executive Order No. 84, s.1999)

• To combat the deadly threat of rabies, ex-President Joseph Estrada has declared March as Rabies Awareness Month in the Philippines in 1999. This declaration comes in response to the alarming statistics with approximately 560,000 reported cases of rabies bites annually, resulting in the loss of 300-400 lives each year. The President’s decree aims to mobilize a nationwide effort to educate the public on preventive measures, including mass immunization of pet dogs and responsible ownership practices. Furthermore, free vaccines will be provided during this month to facilitate the immunization process. Collaborative efforts between various government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Health-Communicable Disease Control Service, Department of Education and the Department of Interior and Local Government – Provincial Veterinary Office, will be instrumental in organizing seminars, forums and other informational campaigns across the country. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and safety from the threat of rabies.

MARCH ( Whole Month): Women’s Role in History Month

(Proclamation No. 227, s. 1988)

• The House of Representatives, through Resolution No. 20, established March 1988 and subsequent March months as “Women’s Role in History Month”, acknowledging the significant historical contributions made by Filipino women from various social, religious and ethnic backgrounds to the nation’s growth and resilience, both documented and undocumented. Their indispensable roles encompass economic, cultural, political and social spheres, constituting a substantial portion of the labor force within and beyond households. Filipino women have been pivotal in volunteering efforts and the inception of charitable, philanthropic, cultural, and political institutions, alongside spearheading progressive social movements, advocating not only for their own suffrage and equal rights but also for societal equity. Recognizing these contributions, President Corazon C. Aquino calls upon the Filipino people to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities, designating the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women as the coordinating Secretariat for nationwide observance.

MARCH ( Whole Month): National Women’s Heart Health Month

(Proclamation No. 1675, s. 2008)

• The Philippine Heart Association, Inc. (PHA) Council on Women’s Heart Health has launched a groundbreaking campaign, designating March as “National Women’s Heart Health Month” to address the pressing issue of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among women. With CVD being the leading cause of female mortality in the Philippines, claiming one in every four women’s lives compared to breast cancer’s toll of one in thirty, urgent action is imperative. The declaration serves as a rallying call for individuals and organizations to advocate for women’s heart health, aiming to empower women with preventive measures. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s official proclamation solidifies the government’s dedication to prioritizing women’s health, especially concerning cardiovascular well-being. With March now officially recognized as “National Women’s Heart Health Month,” concerted efforts by the PHA and its allies will intensify to educate, empower, and support women in combating CVD, ultimately striving for a healthier future nationwide. This milestone proclamation signifies a pivotal step in the ongoing battle against cardiovascular diseases, reaffirming the collective commitment to safeguarding women’s heart health for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

MARCH (First Week): Women’s Week

(Proclamation No. 224, s. 1988)

• The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution establishing the first week of March annually as Women’s Week, with March 8th designated as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day. Enacted during the 105th plenary meeting on December 16, 1977, the resolution aims to honor the immense contributions of women worldwide to the pursuit of equality, peace and human rights. Encouraging all member states to observe this occasion according to their unique historical and national traditions, the resolution stresses the importance of recognizing and respecting women’s struggles across various spheres, including efforts for national independence, civil liberties, gender equality and human rights. Highlighting the crucial role of Filipino women in these endeavors, the resolution emphasizes solidarity with the United Nations in commemorating their tireless advocacy for national freedom, civil liberty, equality and human rights. Acknowledging the significance of this initiative, President Corazon C. Aquino of the Philippines has officially declared the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8th, starting from 1988, as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day, demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment to advancing gender equality, peace and human rights in harmony with the global community. This decision signifies a significant stride towards raising awareness, fostering appreciation and catalyzing action to advance women’s rights and international peace worldwide, emphasizing the shared obligation of nations to uphold principles of equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background.

MARCH 8, Friday: National Women’s Day / International Women’s Day

(Republic Act No. 6949 of 1990)

• As the world prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, the annual occasion assumes heightened significance amid ongoing global efforts for gender parity. With the theme ‘The World Needs Feminists’ resonating as a powerful call to action, the United Nations designates ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’ as its official theme, while the International Women’s Day Alliance (IWDA) advocates for a broader message of feminist solidarity and inclusivity. Serving as a global rallying point for advocates, International Women’s Day emphasizes that women’s rights are human rights, celebrating their achievements across social, political, economic, and cultural domains while addressing persistent challenges like gender inequality and violence against women. Originally political in nature, the day has evolved into a worldwide celebration, observed as a public holiday in many nations, with some regions marking it through protests and calls for substantial change, while others see it as a cultural homage to womanhood. Yet, its essence remains constant: to recognize women’s contributions and uphold the ongoing pursuit of gender equity, transcending geographical, cultural and economic boundaries. Since its inception, International Women’s Day has been pivotal in catalyzing action and advocacy for women’s rights and participation in all spheres of life, symbolizing collective dedication to constructing a world where every woman and girl can thrive. As March 8 approaches, the world stands in solidarity, reaffirming the timeless message that the pursuit of equality knows no bounds and the time for change is now.

MARCH (Fourth Week): Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week

(Proclamation No. 759, s. 1996)

• To address concerns regarding the welfare of young girls, then President Fidel V. Ramos has officially designated the fourth week of March 1996, and each subsequent year thereafter, as “Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week.” This declaration stresses the imperative of providing equal opportunities and adequate protection for every girl under 18, highlighting pressing issues such as economic exploitation, prostitution, sexual assault, abuse, teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS among female children. President Ramos emphasizes the necessity of confronting regional and cultural practices that disadvantage girls, hindering their access to education, healthcare and other avenues for progress. To effectively combat these challenges, the government aims to collect comprehensive data on social and economic indicators to identify and rectify gaps at both familial and societal levels. This proclamation aligns with global initiatives advocating for girls’ rights, such as the World Summit for Children in 1990 and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1981, as well as reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to gender equality as prioritized in the 1995 World Social Summit in Copenhagen and the Beijing Declaration. Furthermore, it underscores the nation’s dedication to global efforts and reinforces plans outlined in the 1995-2025 Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development. Moving forward, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) will oversee the execution of “Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week” to ensure the rights and well-being of young girls are safeguarded and promoted nationwide.