MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified that the proposal to transition the country’s basic education program to a trimester system remains under careful evaluation, as officials weigh the potential impact on both students and teachers.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the most effective way to manage the school calendar, especially as the country continues to navigate the challenges of climate-related disruptions and the recent shift back to the old June-to-March schedule.
According to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa, the trimester proposal—which would divide the academic year into three terms instead of the traditional four quarters—is one of several options being looked at to optimize learning time. “The department is currently conducting a thorough review. We need to ensure that any change in the system will actually improve learning outcomes and not just add to the administrative burden,” Poa explained.
Proponents of the trimester system argue that it allows for a more concentrated focus on specific subjects and provides more frequent breaks, which could help prevent “academic burnout.” However, teachers’ groups have expressed concern, noting that such a shift would require a massive overhaul of the existing curriculum and grading systems.
The review process includes consultations with curriculum experts, school administrators, and parent-teacher associations. DepEd officials emphasized that any transition would not be immediate, as it requires a pilot testing phase and significant logistical adjustments.
As of now, the current quarterly system remains in effect for the 2026-2027 school year. The department assured the public that the final decision will prioritize the welfare of the over 27 million learners in the public school system and will be backed by data-driven research.