Senator Bam Aquino on Sunday, February 15, called for a comprehensive review of the Department of Education’s proposal to shift to a trimester system, stressing that broad consultation must come before any rollout.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara earlier announced plans to pursue the reform, which aims to lengthen instructional periods, ease teacher workload, and improve lesson pacing.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Aquino underscored the need for careful deliberation.
“Before the DepEd implements the trimester system, it is important that it undergo extensive consultation.”
He said the Senate panel will conduct hearings to thoroughly examine the proposal.
“We will ensure that there is a Senate Hearing on this reform, to review and discuss it.”
While expressing support for reforms that address learning gaps and reduce non-teaching tasks for educators, Aquino warned against rushing major structural changes.
“While we recognize the need for extensive reform, let us ensure that it is not done hastily and that it goes through proper consultation.”
Angara, citing findings from EDCOM 2, said the trimester system would encourage uninterrupted learning, better pacing of lessons, and lighter administrative burdens for teachers.
“In this way, we are safeguarding the quality of education,” Angara said.
The proposal is expected to undergo further deliberations in Congress, with lawmakers and education stakeholders weighing its potential impact and feasibility.