The Department of Education (DepEd) has proposed shifting the school year 2026-2027 to a trimester system from the current four-quarter setup to enhance teacher and student welfare. While some groups welcome the aim to reduce workload, teacher organizations have raised concerns over the lack of consultation and failure to address core education issues.
The DepEd proposal seeks to provide longer and more flexible periods for teaching and learning, alongside reducing teacher workload. Education Secretary Sonny Angara outlined the first trimester from June to September, the second from September to December, and the third from January to March. Each term would include an instructional block for quality teaching and an enrichment block for remediation, enrichment, grade computation, and wellness breaks. Scheduled breaks between terms would allow teachers time for planning, assessment, and professional tasks.
However, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) has criticized the plan, stating that educators and students are not 'lab rats.' The group argues that reshuffling the calendar does not alleviate overwork, as teaching loads, class sizes, and administrative demands remain unchanged. Instead, DepEd should address the 165,000 classroom shortage, multiple shifts in 2,000 schools during 2023-2024, and low entry-level teacher salaries of P30,000, which ACT seeks to raise to P50,000.
"If the government is serious about addressing the learning crisis, it should prioritize filling these shortages," said ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo. She added that until the material conditions of teaching and learning are addressed, any schedule changes will remain insufficient and problematic.
Similarly, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) calls for salary increases, such as Senate Bill 211 by Senator Risa Hontiveros for a P15,000 across-the-board wage hike. "Any measure that seeks to institutionalize reforms... must place the rights and welfare of teachers in paramount consideration," stated TDC chairperson Benjo Basas. Both groups demand consultations before implementation, which DepEd has promised to hold.
In contrast, the National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Philippines welcomes the proposal, saying it will reduce burnout and enable immediate remediation. "The trimester system offers a more balanced pacing of learning, regular breaks, and better assessment," PTA president Willy Rodriguez told Rappler. He recommended a pilot implementation with monitoring.
Senator Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate basic education committee, said the proposal will be scrutinized, emphasizing consultations. From Malacañang, consultations with all stakeholders are vital for the best program, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.
