MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a set of education reforms, including the transition to a three-term academic calendar for public schools beginning School Year 2026–2027, in a bid to ensure continuous learning and improve student outcomes.

The decision followed the recommendation of the Economic and Development Council during its eighth meeting on March 19 at Malacañan Palace, where the President also called for the expedited approval of priority government programs and sectoral reforms.

The new calendar will replace the current four-quarter system with three academic terms to address recurring disruptions in the school year caused by natural hazards and overlapping national events.

Under the revised structure, each term will have designated periods for instruction and assessment. The first term will consist of 54 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, which includes a five-day opening block. The second term will have 55 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, while the third term will include 61 instructional days and a shorter six-day assessment period.

Education officials said the change is expected to allow for longer, uninterrupted teaching periods, reduce fragmentation of lessons, and improve the overall pacing of instruction while providing built-in recovery periods.

Teachers are also seen to benefit from the adjustment, as it removes one grading cycle, introduces consolidation periods, includes up to 32 hours of professional development, and provides scheduled wellness breaks to help manage workload.

The Department of Education said the new academic calendar is set for rollout in School Year 2026–2027. While the proposal was not pilot tested, the agency noted that consultations were conducted with various education stakeholders before it was finalized.

The President underscored the need to maintain the required 180-day in-person learning period for both students and teachers, even in the face of potential disruptions.

Marcos also directed the education department to ensure that the shortened structure supports learners who need additional assistance, aligns with the semestral system used in Senior High School, and prepares schools nationwide for full implementation.

The reform is part of the administration’s broader push to strengthen the education system and ensure continuity in learning despite recurring challenges.