To improve curriculum implementation, reduce teacher workload, and protect instructional time, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, February 13, officially announced its proposal to shift to a trimester system under a holistic school calendar reform for the next school year.

In a statement, DepEd said it is advancing a major DepEd school calendar reform by proposing a shift to a DepEd trimester system beginning School Year (SY) 2026–2027.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the proposed reform forms part of a holistic approach to strengthen learning delivery by strategically organizing academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities throughout the year.

“Itinutulak natin ito upang magkaroon ng mas mahahabang, tuloy-tuloy na panahon ng pagkatuto, mas maayos na pacing ng mga aralin, at mas mababang administrative burden para sa ating mga guro (We are pushing for this so that there will be longer, continuous periods of learning, better pacing of lessons, and a lower administrative burden for our teachers),” Angara said.

“Sa ganitong paraan, napapangalagaan natin ang kalidad ng edukasyon (In this way, we safeguard the quality of education),” he added, citing findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education.

Under the proposed DepEd trimester system, the school year will be divided into three academic terms, each with longer instructional and enrichment blocks designed to minimize disruptions and allow sustained lesson delivery.

For SY 2026–2027, the 201 school days will be distributed across three trimesters: First Trimester – from early June to September; Second Trimester – from September to December; and Third Trimester – from January to late March.

DepEd said classes are expected to open in early June, aligning with the country’s traditional academic calendar while introducing structural improvements.

Moreover, DepEd said each term will include an Instructional Block (54–61 days) dedicated to uninterrupted teaching and learning with minimal non-academic disruptions.

Each term will also include an Enrichment Block, allocated for remediation, enrichment activities, grade computation, preparation and checking of school forms, and wellness breaks.

The Opening Block (Term 1 only) will cover school opening activities and transition processes.

This structure, DepEd said, aims to ensure better lesson pacing, improved academic continuity, and more efficient management of administrative responsibilities.

Citing its data, DepEd said the current school calendar often leads to compressed instructional time due to numerous mandated observances, reporting requirements, and administrative tasks.

These interruptions disrupt lesson continuity and increase pressure on teachers to prioritize compliance over sustained instruction.

By adopting a trimester calendar, DepEd seeks to provide longer and more flexible instructional periods; reduce frequent disruptions; allocate dedicated time for planning and assessment; and improve overall instructional quality.

DepEd added that scheduled breaks between terms will give teachers sufficient time for professional tasks, preparation, and evaluation—addressing long-standing concerns about excessive teacher workload.

A key component of the school calendar reform Philippines initiative is the promotion of “low-disruption alternatives,” where national and cultural observances are integrated directly into classroom lessons instead of requiring separate programs that suspend academic instruction.

Instead of whole-day events, schools may incorporate observances into reading materials and writing exercises; integrate civic themes into science discussions and project-based learning; and conduct shorter in-class reflections and thematic discussions.

This approach, DepEd said, allows students to engage with civic and cultural themes while maintaining regular academic flow.

DepEd said formal policy guidelines on the trimester system will be issued after consultations with teachers, school leaders, and other education stakeholders.

The proposed reform signals a broader effort to improve education quality in the Philippines, optimize the DepEd school calendar, and enhance curriculum delivery nationwide ahead of SY 2026–2027.