MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially approved the adoption of a three-term school calendar for public schools starting Academic Year 2026–2027, a major reform aimed at improving learning continuity and boosting educational outcomes.

The decision was announced on March 22, 2026, following the recommendation of the Economic and Development Council during its eighth meeting at Malacañan Palace. The shift from the traditional four grading periods to a three-term calendar is designed to address long-standing issues caused by compressed learning schedules, frequent class suspensions due to natural hazards, and overlapping major events.

President Marcos emphasized the urgency of implementing reforms that strengthen the education sector. “We need to fast-track approvals for priority government projects alongside key sectoral reforms,” he said, underscoring the importance of aligning education with broader national development goals.

Under the new system, the Department of Education (DepEd) has been directed to prepare for full implementation beginning in School Year 2026–2027. The three-term calendar is expected to provide longer, uninterrupted learning periods, giving students and teachers more time to cover essential competencies without the disruptions that often plague the current quarterly system.

Education officials believe the reform will help improve student performance and reduce stress caused by compressed schedules. By spreading lessons across three terms, schools can better manage workloads and ensure that learning objectives are met more effectively.

The move has been welcomed by educators and parents who have long called for adjustments to the school calendar to make it more resilient against disruptions. With the Philippines frequently experiencing typhoons and other natural hazards, the three-term system is seen as a practical solution to safeguard learning continuity.

This landmark reform marks a significant step in the administration’s broader push to modernize the education system and ensure that Filipino students receive quality instruction despite external challenges. As the country prepares for the transition, DepEd is expected to release detailed guidelines on the scheduling of terms, adjustments in curriculum delivery, and teacher training programs to support the change.

The three-term calendar will officially take effect in Academic Year 2026–2027, signaling a new era in Philippine education policy that prioritizes resilience, continuity, and improved learning outcomes.