Education Secretary Sonny Angara has confirmed that Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) will be included in the national education reforms scheduled for implementation starting School Year 2026–2027.
The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to align these overseas institutions with new national policies while allowing flexibility to accommodate the specific regulations of their host countries.
During a virtual “Online Kumustahan” session with representatives from 35 PSOs, DepEd officials outlined several major changes:
- A shift to a three-term school calendar
- Revised classroom assessment and grading guidelines
- The Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Program, designed to better prepare students for college or immediate employment
“Following the marching orders of President Bongbong Marcos, we are committed to ensuring that our global learners are not left behind as we transform our curriculum to be more responsive and future-ready,” Angara said.
The reforms aim to maximize teaching time and reduce administrative burdens on teachers.
While the three-term calendar will be mandatory within the Philippines, Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje noted that PSOs will be granted a transition period and flexibility to adjust according to local conditions in the 10 countries where they operate.
DepEd emphasized that maintaining alignment with national standards is vital for the more than 25,000 Filipino students abroad, ensuring they can reintegrate smoothly into the Philippine education system upon their return.
The dialogue also addressed the safety and welfare of teachers and students in PSOs, particularly those located in conflict-prone areas in the Middle East.
DepEd is conducting nationwide orientations to prepare school officials and teachers for the upcoming transition.