Marcos OKs 3-term school calendar starting SY 2026–2027
President Marcos has approved the adoption of a three-term school calendar for public schools beginning School Year 2026–2027, as part of efforts to improve learning continuity and outcomes.
The directive followed the recommendation of the Economic and Development Council during its eighth meeting at Malacañan on March 19.
The President also underscored the need to fast-track key reforms in the education sector alongside priority government programs.
With this, Marcos directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to prepare for the full implementation of the new calendar.
He emphasized that the mandated 180-day contact period for students and teachers must still be maintained despite the structural changes.
He also instructed education officials to ensure that the new system supports struggling learners and aligns with the semestral structure in Senior High School.
Shift from four quarters to three terms
Under the approved reform, the current four grading periods will be streamlined into three academic terms.
The move aims to address disruptions caused by frequent class suspensions due to natural hazards and overlapping national events, which often result in compressed learning periods.
Education officials said the new structure is expected to provide longer, uninterrupted instructional time and improve lesson pacing.
The three-term calendar will divide the school year into distinct instructional and assessment periods.
The first term will include 54 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, including a five-day opening block.
The second term will have 55 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, while the third term will consist of 61 instructional days and a six-day assessment period.
Benefits for students, teachers
Officials said the reform is expected to reduce lesson fragmentation, allow structured recovery periods, and improve overall learning delivery.
For teachers, the shift removes one grading cycle and introduces dedicated time for consolidation and professional development.
Up to 32 hours of training and scheduled wellness intervals will also be integrated to help ease workload pressures.
The Palace said the shift to a three-term calendar forms part of the administration’s broader push to strengthen the quality of education while ensuring resilience against recurring disruptions.