DepEd: Trimester Proposal Still Under Consideration
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Tuesday, February 17 that the proposed adoption of a trimester academic calendar is still under review, assuring the public that no final decision has been made.
In its official statement, the agency emphasized that consultations are ongoing and that it continues to gather feedback from lawmakers, teachers, and other education stakeholders.
“DepEd is actively conducting consultations and will keep engaging with education officials and stakeholders in the coming days to ensure that all perspectives are heard,” the department said.
The clarification comes as questions arise from legislators and educators about how the trimester system might impact classroom shortages, teacher workload, and readiness for implementation.
DepEd acknowledged that systemic challenges such as insufficient classrooms and teacher welfare are closely linked to any structural reforms.
“We take these concerns seriously, recognizing that reforms and systemic issues like classroom shortages and teacher welfare must be addressed together,” the agency noted.
Officials explained that the proposal is designed to support broader education reforms by streamlining academic planning, maximizing instructional time, and easing pressures on teachers. They stressed that any adjustment to the academic calendar must ultimately strengthen learning continuity while improving conditions for educators.
“DepEd remains committed to refining the proposal based on feedback from the field. Our priority is ensuring that reforms enhance learning continuity while improving the environment for both learners and teachers,” the statement added.
While no timeline has been set for a final decision, the department reiterated its commitment to a consultative process before implementing any major changes.