1 month ago
23
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
February 17, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday backed calls for extensive consultations with stakeholders on the Department of Education (DepEd)’s proposal to shift to a trimester system starting next school year.
DepEd is considering implementing the trimester system for School Year 2026–2027 as part of what it described as a “holistic approach” to improve learning continuity and reduce teachers’ administrative workload.
“This is just a proposal, and they are presenting the possible advantages of having a trimester system, which is being promoted by DepEd. It is still at the proposal stage. So it would be better to conduct a more immediate study on whether it should be implemented,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.
Castro said the Palace supports calls for broad public consultations on the proposal.
“It would be better if this is discussed among all stakeholders and interested parties so that the best program for our youth can be achieved,” she said.
Earlier, Sen. Bam Aquino warned against rushing the implementation of the policy to avoid further disruption in the education sector.
“Although we recognize the need for widespread reform, let’s make sure we go through proper consultation and not do this hastily,” Aquino, chairperson of the Senate committee on basic education, said.
Better benefits
Aside from the trimester system, the DepEd is also implementing policy changes aimed at providing higher allowances, reduced paperwork and clearer career progression for public school teachers.
In a statement yesterday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the department increased teachers’ annual medical allowance from P500 to P7,000, while their teaching allowance was raised from P3,500 to P10,000 to help cover health needs and classroom expenses.
DepEd also introduced the Expanded Career Progression system, which allows teachers to earn promotions and salary increases based on merit without leaving the classroom.
As of yesterday, 16,423 teachers have been promoted, while more than 40,000 others are awaiting approval from the Department of Budget and Management.
In the past, teachers often had to move to administrative positions to receive higher pay. Under the new system, they can advance professionally while continuing to teach.
“The instruction of President Marcos is clear: the welfare of teachers is our primary concern. We are making sure they have sufficient benefits, a clear career path and better working conditions,” Angara said.
The department also reduced teachers’ paperwork by more than half, cutting required school forms and reports from 174 to 75.
To further ease their workload, DepEd created new administrative and support positions to handle non-teaching tasks such as documentation and coordination.
Teachers will also receive clearer compensation for extra work. Previously, overload and overtime teaching had no clear funding or payment system.
Under the new policies, teachers may now receive overload and overtime pay. They are also entitled to 30 vacation service credits per year, double the previous limit of 15 days.
Teachers assigned to difficult or remote areas will receive a fixed hardship allowance equivalent to 25 percent of their salary.
Before, the allowance only ranged from 15 percent to 25 percent and lacked clear and consistent guidelines.
Angara is also pushing to increase the Teacher Salary Subsidy from P18,000 to P24,000 for private school teachers. — Evelyn Macairan
