DepEd proposes trimester calendar for SY 2026-2027

The Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing its proposal to shift to a trimester system under a holistic school calendar reform for school year 2026-2027, aiming to enhance curriculum implementation and reduce disruptions in the academic calendar.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara proposed this reform on Feb. 13 as it arranges a ‘holistic approach’ to strengthen learning delivery by strategically organizing academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities throughout the year.

“We are pushing for this to safeguard the quality of education like there will be longer, continuous periods of learning, better pacing of lessons, and a lower administrative burden for our teachers,” Angara said.

DepEd noted that the current calendar has led to compressed instructional time, as schools accommodate numerous observances, reporting requirements and administrative tasks.

Under the proposed trimester setup, it shall divide 201 school days into three terms, each of which shall include continuous and curated lessons and tasks for students.

The first term is proposed to be held from June to September, followed by the second term from September to December, and the final term from January to March, with each term having 54 to 61 days of instruction with minor interruptions for non-academic activities and enrichment blocks.

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 reform also introduces “low-disruption alternatives,” where mandated national and cultural celebrations and observances are integrated into classroom instruction instead of requiring separate programs that interrupt lessons.

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