The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that the plan to implement the trimester system in public schools is not yet finalized and remains just a proposal. This follows strong criticism from several teachers' groups and other education sectors. According to the agency, they are open to wider consultations to ensure that any reform is in line with the real needs of schools.
In a statement, the DepEd said they are actively conducting consultations with education officials and stakeholders to hear different perspectives. The department also emphasized that the aim of the proposal is to improve the use of academic time, ease the workload of teachers, and streamline the planning of the school calendar. They also assured that any decision will be based on feedback from the field.
On February 13, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced a plan to transition from the current four-quarter system to three terms for School Year 2026–2027. Under the proposal, the 201 school days would be divided from June to September, September to December, and January to March. The goal is to have longer continuous learning periods and better pacing of lessons.
However, the proposal immediately drew criticism from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, who said that a thorough study and wider consultation were needed before it was implemented. Sen. Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, also expressed caution against hasty implementation. Even Malacañang supported the call for expanded public consultations to ensure that the reform benefits students and teachers.
Meanwhile, DepEd cited data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) showing a decline in student proficiency from Grade 3 to Grade 12. According to the report, a major challenge is the lack of foundational skills, especially in reading, which affects the overall quality of education. Amid the discussion, DepEd's position remains clear: any change in the system will go through thorough study and listening to the voice of the education sector.
