The Department of Education (DepEd) is studying a major reform of the country’s academic calendar, including a possible transition to a trimester system, as part of efforts to strengthen curriculum implementation and improve the quality of instruction.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the proposed change is intended to provide longer and more flexible instructional periods, ease teachers’ administrative workload, and ensure better pacing of lessons throughout the school year.

“We are pushing this so that there will be longer, uninterrupted periods of learning, better pacing of lessons, and a lower administrative burden for our teachers. In this way, we are safeguarding the quality of education,” Angara said, citing recommendations from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EdCom II).

Under the proposal, the trimester calendar for School Year 2026–2027 would retain the required 201 school days but distribute them across three academic terms. Each term would feature extended teaching periods, allowing for more focused instruction and improved lesson sequencing.

The plan also includes scheduled breaks between terms to give teachers dedicated time for planning, assessment, and professional responsibilities—measures

DepEd believes the trimester calendar could enhance overall instructional delivery and learning outcomes.

DepEd also emphasized that the proposal remains under review and will undergo further consultations before any final decision is made.

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