MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially set June 8, 2026, as the start of School Year 2026–2027, ushering in a major shift in how the country's basic education calendar is structured. The schedule, formalized through DepEd Order No. 009 issued on April 16, introduces a three-term system that replaces the traditional four-quarter setup.

The academic year will conclude on April 8, 2027, spanning a total of 201 class days divided into three terms.

Why the Shift to Trimesters?

DepEd explained that the previous quarterly system compressed instructional time and fragmented learning continuity. Short assessment cycles and frequent non-teaching activities also added to teacher workloads. The new three-term model addresses these issues by protecting longer, uninterrupted blocks for actual teaching.

Each term now includes an instructional block of 55 to 62 days, during which non-academic activities are prohibited. Parent-teacher conferences, competitions, and training sessions are moved to dedicated eight‑ to ten‑day windows at the end of each term. Orientation and health screenings are confined to a short opening block at the start of every term.

Aligning with National Recovery Goals

The calendar reform supports the government's Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which aims to help students catch up after pandemic‑related learning losses. DepEd also noted that the shift is consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Eight‑Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the department's own Five‑Point Reform Agenda.

President Marcos approved the three‑term calendar following a recommendation from the Economic and Development Council, which emphasized the need for more continuous and less fragmented learning cycles.

What Private Schools Need to Know

Private educational institutions, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state and local universities and colleges offering basic education may also adopt the three‑term calendar. However, they must still comply with the minimum class day requirements and school opening provisions under Republic Act No. 7797, as amended by Republic Act No. 11480.

Repeal of Previous Guidelines

DepEd Order No. 009 explicitly repeals DepEd Order No. 012, series of 2025, which previously contained multi‑year calendar guidelines. It also amends provisions under DepEd Order No. 017, series of 2025, regarding enrollment policies. Any other conflicting issuances are considered revoked.

Looking Ahead

With the new calendar now in place, schools are expected to adjust their academic planning, teacher training, and student assessment systems to fit the three‑term structure. The first day of classes on June 8 will mark the beginning of a significant transition for the country's basic education system.