DepEd trimester plan questioned over gaps in schedule, learning goals

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) planned shift to a three-term school calendar is facing scrutiny from lawmakers, raising concerns over gaps in class scheduling and unclear learning targets ahead of its implementation in school year 2026-2027.

House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Rep. Roman Romulo, who chaired the briefing, emphasized the need for flexibility, warning that insufficient buffer days in a packed schedule could affect the students’ coverage of the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs).

“What happens if there are no classes in between… they won’t be able to complete everything? It’s the students who suffer,” he said, questioning how DepEd would manage weather-related class suspensions.

Romulo also demanded clarification on the inconsistent number of instructional days, noting that the total appeared to be only 172, below the commonly cited 180-day requirement in the proposed calendar.

Meanwhile, the education’s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program was pressed on how it would support struggling students beyond Grade 1, since current interventions focus mainly on early-grade learners.

“Why only Grade 1? We’re falling behind from Grades 1 to 12 based on your own data,” Romullo said.

Instead of shorter interventions integrated into regular class schedules, Romulo proposed an eight-week recovery program to expand remediation efforts on all grade levels.

The committee also raised concerns about the timing of the ARAL program, noting that struggling learners may be left without support at the start of classes since the intervention begins later in the school year.

DepEd noted that up to 53 of 180 school days in SY 2023–2024 were lost to weather and non-instructional activities, compressing lessons.

Through the proposed calendar, the reform divides the year into structured blocks, with longer uninterrupted teaching periods, enrichment phases, and an opening period for assessments and preparation.

DepEd said the three-term calendar is part of broader reforms, including updated assessments, flexible learning strategies, and streamlined lesson planning.

However, lawmakers demanded clearer policies, consistent data, and contingency measures before full rollout.

They also called DepEd to submit more details on instructional time, competencies, and remediation plans.

Classes will start in June under the new trimester system, which divides the school year into three terms, each with an opening period, a main instructional phase, and end-of-term activities.

Each term will have around 54 to 61 days dedicated to uninterrupted instruction, ensuring lessons proceed with reduced disruption.