The Department of Education has unveiled a proposal to transition the country’s basic education program to a trimester system beginning in School Year 2026-2027.
This reform aims to streamline the academic calendar and maximize instructional time by reducing frequent interruptions to the learning process.
Under the new framework, the academic year would be divided into three distinct terms instead of the traditional four quarters.
The department intends to maintain the mandated 201 school days but will restructure them to provide longer, more focused periods for classroom teaching.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara explained that each trimester will feature a dedicated “instructional block” consisting of 54 to 61 days reserved strictly for lesson delivery.
These blocks will be followed by “enrichment blocks,” which are designated periods for remedial classes, student wellness activities, and administrative duties.
The proposed schedule suggests that the first trimester would run from June to September, the second from September to December, and the third from January to late March.
This calendar shift is also part of the agency’s broader effort to return to the pre-pandemic school opening schedule while addressing the logistical challenges of the current system.
To protect these teaching windows, the Department of Education also plans to integrate national celebrations and school events directly into the curriculum.
Rather than suspending classes for day-long programs, cultural and historical observances will be incorporated through reading materials, science discussions, and other classroom-based activities.
DepEd officials said the breaks between trimesters would allow teachers to complete grading and administrative requirements without sacrificing their instructional hours.
The agency is currently finalizing the policy guidelines following a series of consultations with various education stakeholders across the country.