By Almira Louise S. martinez, reporter
The Department of Education (DepEd) aims to implement the proposed change to a quarter system by school year (SY) 2026-2027, after consultation with education stakeholders.
“If it will be implemented by June, we need enough time for teacher training and orientation,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary Jerome T. Buenviaje. businessworld In an interview on Wednesday. He said the consultation was expected to conclude before the end of the school year.
Under the proposal, the first quarter will run from June to September, the second from September to December and the third quarter from January to March. Each term will consist of an introductory block, an instructional block and an enrichment block.
The initial block, or first week of classes, will focus on orientation and assessment. Formal instruction will last for 55 days from 2nd to 11th dayth Week. This will be followed by a two-week enrichment block, which will include the department's academic recovery and accessible learning programs and in-service training for teachers.
Mr Buenviaje said the quarterly system allows for about 60 teaching days per session, whereas under the quarterly setup it is 40 to 45 days. The added buffer is to address classroom disruptions and ensure lessons are completed.
Data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) showed that out of an average of 191 class days per year, more than 150 are lost due to legislative school activities as well as approximately 42 days due to suspension.
Philippine Business for Education President Ramon R. Del Rosario said shorter breaks between terms could create challenges for struggling students. “There is no difference,” he said, noting that catch-up work will have to be integrated into the next term's workload.
Ruby Bernardo, chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, raised concerns about teachers' workload and preparation, citing possible adjustments to competencies, report cards and evaluation systems.
DepEd said the proposed calendar could increase the number of school days to 201.
Separately, the DepEd aims to address part of its 165,000 classroom backlog by constructing 106,000 classrooms through a public-private partnership (PPP) school infrastructure project.
DepEd Undersecretary Ronald U. Mendoza said the agency wants to reduce the deficit within five years. PPP classes can be completed in one to two years, whereas traditional procurement takes up to seven years.
The new PPP school infrastructure phases, covering multiple regions across the country, are scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2031.