MANILA — The Department of Education said Tuesday that its suggestion to change to a trimester system for the school calendar is still only a proposal and not yet final.

DepEd stated in a statement that it is consulting now and will do so in the days ahead “to ensure that all voices are heard and considered.”

According to DepEd, measures enhancing learning continuity and enhancing circumstances for both students and teachers would be given top priority.

According to DepEd, the recommendation aims to “support broader reforms that simplify planning, improve the use of academic time, and reduce workload pressures on teachers.”

THE PROPOSAL: WHAT IS IT?

According to a previous statement from the agency, the idea aimed to provide longer and more flexible educational periods in order to lessen the stress of instructors and to encourage high-quality instruction “through improved organization of the academic year.”

In order to enhance class spacing, the suggested 201 school days for School Year 2026–2027 would be split up across three terms.

Classes will start in early June under the proposed academic calendar structure, and the first trimester will span from June to September.

To complete the 201 school days needed for the academic year, the second trimester will run from September to December, and the third trimester will run from January to late March.

In an effort to improve overall instructional delivery, the calendar also has term breaks that provide teachers with time for planning, evaluation, and other professional duties.

Malacañang said on Monday that more research is necessary on the plan.

The clarification follows inquiries from lawmakers and educators over the impact of switching to a trimester system on teacher workload, classroom shortages, and general implementation readiness.

According to education officials, any modifications to the academic framework must eventually improve working circumstances for teachers and reinforce learning continuity.

The agency reiterated its commitment to a collaborative process before to adopting any significant reform, but it has not yet specified when a final decision on the trimester proposal will be made public.