The Department of Education (DepEd) 11 will implement a three-term school calendar beginning School Year 2026–2027 as classes officially open on June 8, 2026.
DepEd 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the agency is returning to the traditional school opening schedule while introducing major changes in the academic calendar for public schools nationwide.
“Sugod na pud ta’g balik didto sa katung the normal, the usual schedule nga traditonal, I think that’s the correct term para sa atoang pag-abri sa klase,” Atillo said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing.
Atillo said the revised setup seeks to provide longer uninterrupted teaching periods and reduce disruptions in classroom instruction caused by school-related activities and celebrations.
Under the new system, the traditional four grading periods will be replaced by three academic terms composed of opening, instructional, and closing blocks.
“Daghan kaayo’g kabag-ohan sa pagka-karon because we will be embarking on a new school calendar, which will be divided into three ang number of class days nato,” he said.
The upcoming school year will have a total of 201 class days and will run until April 8, 2027.
“We will be having 201 class days, but we will… we are implementing a new scheme for the school calendar. Gitawag namo na karon og three terms school calendar. Naanad ta’g upat ka quarters, no, naa tay first grading up to fourth grading. So pagka-karon, tungaon namo na… i-divide namo na ngadto sa tulo,” he explained.
Based on the new calendar, Term 1 will consist of 69 days, including 55 uninterrupted instructional days dedicated to teaching and learning. Term 2 will have 65 days with 56 teaching days, while Term 3 will cover 67 days, including 57 instructional days.
Atillo emphasized that the policy aims to maximize classroom learning time and avoid interruptions during regular school hours.
“Ang tumong og tuyo niana is that we wanted really to provide a wide latitude of the teaching-learning period. Dili na namo gusto karon nga ma-disturbo pag-ayo kadtong adlaw para sa pagkat-on sa atoang mga kabatan-onan,” he said.
He added that activities and celebrations such as Nutrition Month programs should, whenever possible, be conducted beyond regular class hours.
“In fact, isa sa mga bag-o ani, kon naay mga activities, himoon ninyo ang activities outside of the class hours. Dili na nato gusto nga hilabtan sya. Pananglit… Nutrition Week, pwede na lang gani na sya itudlo diritso basta part sa curriculum. Pero kung gusto gyud nila nga mag-activity niana, himoon nila ang activity outside of the class hours. Pwedeng hapon, pwedeng weekday, weekends,” he added.
Atillo clarified that the three-term school calendar will initially apply only to public schools across the country starting June 8, while private schools may decide whether to adopt the new system.
“Pero kini, limitado namo ni para sa tanang public schools sa tibuok Pilipinas starting karong June 8. With respect didto sa private schools, well, they have the option to adopt this or not,” he said.
He said the new setup is intended to strengthen learning continuity even during disruptions such as natural disasters and emergencies.
“Tumong ug tuyo para mahatagan og taas nga panahon ang pagtudlo sa mga bata. Now, kung naay kalamidad, then we can shift to alternative learning modalities, but ang importante is magpadayon gihapon,” Atillo said.
