Schools nationwide officially welcomed students on Monday, June 8, marking the commencement of School Year 2026–2027 under a series of major reforms introduced by the Department of Education (DepEd), most notably a new three-term academic calendar.
DepEd projects that total enrollment will reach approximately 26 million learners across both public and private institutions.
According to the department, these latest policy shifts and support initiatives are set to benefit over 26 million students, 45,000 schools, and nearly 900,000 teachers across the country.
In the weeks leading up to the opening, school administrators readied classrooms, assigned teaching staff, distributed instructional materials, and coordinated with local government units to ensure an orderly and efficient return to campus.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara recently issued comprehensive guidelines detailing the academic year’s structural shifts. These directives include the transition to the three-term school calendar, protocols for emergency learning continuity, updated lesson planning frameworks, revised grading systems, and the nationwide rollout of an enhanced Senior High School curriculum.
Angara emphasized that these modifications are designed to help schools focus intently on elevating learning outcomes while bolstering support structures for educators.
“Mas titiyakin natin na maayos ang pagkatuto ng mga bata at mas suportado ang ating mga guro. Ginawa natin ang mga repormang ito upang gawing mas malinaw ang sistema, mas epektibo ang pagtuturo, at mas nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral.”
The Education chief reiterated that the strategic changes aim to cultivate a clearer, more efficient educational system tailored to the evolving needs of both students and faculty.
While the nationwide launch proceeded, several schools reported minor enrollment-related challenges on day one, prompting education officials and local authorities to closely monitor and resolve the issues as the school year progresses.