The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) has criticized the government’s approval of a three-term academic calendar for school year 2026–2027, calling it a “rushed, top-down reform” that failed to consider the sentiments of educators.
ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo said the decision reflects a recurring pattern of major education policies being implemented without meaningful consultation from teachers.
“Sinabi na kailangan ng konsultasyon, pero sa dulo, ipinatupad pa rin nang minamadali. Nasaan ang boses ng karaniwang guro sa desisyong ito?” she said.
The group also argued that the proposed calendar shift does not address longstanding structural issues in the education sector, such as classroom shortages, low salaries, and heavy workloads.
The Department of Education (DepEd) proposal—approved by the Economy and Development Council—would divide the school year into three terms: June to September, September to December, and January to March.
The plan also seeks to shorten the traditional 201 school days, aiming to allow longer instructional blocks and provide more time for extracurricular and remedial activities.
ACT is urging DepEd to suspend the implementation and instead conduct broader consultations involving teachers, school personnel, students, and parents.
“Kung gusto talagang ayusin ang edukasyon, dapat magsimula ito sa pakikinig mula sa mga guro, kawani, mga mag-aaral at kanilang mga magulang na matagal nang nagdurusa sa mga papatinding suliranin ng sektor,” Bernardo added.