PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved major education reforms, including the adoption of a three-term school calendar for public education institutions starting School Year 2026–2027. The move is designed to ensure uninterrupted learning and enhance overall educational outcomes.
The directive follows the recommendation of the Economic and Development (ED) Council during its eighth meeting on March 19 at Malacañan Palace in Manila, where Marcos stressed the need to fast-track approvals for priority government projects alongside critical sectoral reforms.
The new three-term structure replaces the current four-quarter system to address persistent challenges such as compressed learning periods caused by class suspensions due to natural hazards and overlapping major events. Each term will feature dedicated instructional and assessment periods:
• First term: 54 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, including a five-day opening block
• Second term: 55 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period
• Third term: 61 instructional days with a six-day assessment period
Education officials say the restructured calendar will benefit learners by providing longer, uninterrupted instructional periods, reducing lesson fragmentation, and allowing structured recovery intervals to improve instructional pacing.
Teachers are also expected to gain from the reform. The shift eliminates one full grading cycle, introduces dedicated consolidation periods, incorporates up to 32 hours of professional development, and schedules wellness intervals to help reduce recurring workload pressures.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed that the new academic calendar is targeted for full implementation in School Year 2026–2027. While pilot testing has not yet been conducted, consultations were held with various educational institutions prior to final approval.
President Marcos emphasized that the mandated 180-day contact period for students and teachers will be maintained, even amid potential disruptions. He also instructed DepEd to ensure the revised calendar adequately supports struggling learners, aligns with the semestral system in Senior High School, and prepares schools nationwide for a smooth transition.
This reform is part of the administration’s broader initiative to strengthen education quality, enhance learning continuity, and build resilience in the face of recurring disruptions.