The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has expressed support for the Department of Education’s proposal to adopt a trimester school calendar starting in the 2026–2027 school year, while emphasizing the need for thorough preparation.
“So hindi po tayo against sa trimester proposal. Kailangan lang pong siguruhin na handa yung ground, maayos ang consultation, natanong lahat ng teachers at ready talaga,” said EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee in a radio interview.
DepEd described the trimester system as a “holistic approach” to balanced time management, dividing the 201 school days into three terms: June–September, September–December, and January–March.
Yee noted that the system could help offset learning losses caused by frequent class suspensions due to typhoons, extreme heat, and required celebrations.
“Kung maalala natin, in the last three years sa EDCOM, lagi natin kinukwento yung kawalan ng araw sa pagkatuto… Nakikita natin na 30 to 50 days sa isang school year ang nawawala dahil sa suspension ng klase,” he explained.
While the law mandates roughly 200 school days, actual class days often fall to 150 or fewer. Longer terms under a trimester system could allow lessons to be completed more effectively.
However, Yee stressed that teacher readiness and instructional materials are critical, pointing out that the current DepEd curriculum guide remains structured quarterly.
“Pero ang mahalaga po kung gagawin ‘yun ay handa yung mga guro, handa yung mga materyales,” he said.