MANILA, Philippines — February 13, 2026. The Department of Education (DepEd) has formally proposed a shift to a trimester system beginning School Year 2026–2027, marking a major reform in the Philippine school calendar aimed at improving curriculum delivery, reducing teacher workload, and safeguarding instructional time. 

The announcement was made by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who emphasized that the move is part of a broader holistic approach to education reform.

Under the proposed system, the academic year will be divided into three terms, each with longer instructional and enrichment blocks. DepEd explained that this structure will allow for uninterrupted learning periods, better pacing of lessons, and integration of national and cultural observances into classroom activities without disrupting academic continuity. 

“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.

The trimester proposal also aligns with recommendations from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which highlighted the need for systemic reforms to address curriculum gaps, teacher workload, and student learning recovery. 

During DepEd’s National Planning Conference earlier this month, Angara underscored the importance of disciplined spending and strategic priorities to ensure that every peso in the 2026 education budget is maximized for learners and teachers.

DepEd noted that the trimester system is designed not only to improve academic outcomes but also to provide flexibility for co-curricular and extracurricular activities. By restructuring the calendar, the department hopes to minimize disruptions caused by administrative tasks and observances, while promoting civic and cultural learning within the classroom.

The proposal is currently under review and will undergo consultations with stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and education experts, before final implementation. If approved, the trimester system will take effect in June 2026, ushering in a new era of Philippine education reform.