ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio has raised concerns over the Department of Education’s reported return to a one-hour-per-subject class schedule, warning that frequent policy changes may disrupt the implementation of ongoing education reforms.

During a committee hearing, Tinio noted that sample class schedules presented by DepEd now reflect 60-minute class periods, a shift from the previously adopted 45-minute sessions under recent curriculum adjustments.

“Parang yoyo rin ang DepEd sa mga patakaran nila… ang laking adjustment na kailangan gawin… ngayon, balik tayo,” Tinio said, pointing to the potential impact on teaching continuity and student learning.

In response, DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Datukan explained that the adjustment was based on amendments to existing policy and feedback from educators who preferred longer instructional time per subject.

“We’re thinking that maybe the one hour… a majority of the teachers there was a clamor for the one-hour subject. Yun na po ang na-adapt namin dito,” Datukan said.

The discussion comes amid the continued rollout of the MATATAG Curriculum, which aims to streamline learning competencies and improve student mastery.

DepEd also defended its broader reforms, including the proposed three-term school calendar, saying these form part of a long-term strategy to strengthen learning continuity and better align the academic system with the goals of the MATATAG program.

Officials said the proposed calendar adjustment is intended to distribute learning loads more evenly and reduce disruptions throughout the school year.

Tinio, however, maintained that frequent changes in class structures and academic calendars may create instability in implementation, urging DepEd to ensure consistency as schools continue adapting to reforms.