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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
March 25, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Private schools are not required to adopt the three-term school calendar that will be implemented in public schools beginning School Year (SY) 2026-2027, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) said.
In an interview with radio dzBB, COCOPEA managing director Joseph Noel Estrada said that while some private schools are already implementing the scheme, a law is necessary to cover all schools offering basic education.
“A one-size-fits-all (policy) should be really studied carefully. If that’s the plan, a law is really necessary,” Estrada said.
He noted that the three-term school calendar works for some institutions but may not be suitable for all.
“Ideally, actually it’s good. If you noticed, the well-known schools, the big ones and known for their quality basic education, were the first to implement that three-term school calendar. Just like before, the well-known schools have Grade 7, so it works for them, but again it’s not for everyone,” Estrada explained.
He added that public schools may find it easier to implement the reform.
“It is easier for public schools because the Department of Education is just one system composed of around 47,000 schools, so it’s easier for them to roll it out rather than in a private school where our delivery systems are different,” Estrada said.
He also emphasized that schools must consider their stakeholders before adopting the system.
“You need to study your own stakeholders, the school, what kind of student you cater to, what kind of parents, what kind of social class for example, what would work for your school community and what would not,” he said.
Consultations
Defending the implementation of the three-term school calendar, the DepEd said the policy is the result of exhaustive, multi-level consultations with teachers, school leaders, parents, learners and representatives from both public and private education amid criticisms from teachers’ groups.
According to the agency, a structured approach was undertaken, including an orientation cascade from the central office down to division levels to ensure that field feedback was systematically gathered for policy development.
It said the shift aims to address the frequency of disruptions and the uneven pacing of instruction.
Citing the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) report, the department disclosed that in SY 2023-2024, up to 53 out of 180 school days, or nearly three months of teaching and learning, were lost to weather disturbances and non-instructional interruptions, which resulted in compressed lessons and limited time for learners to fully engage with the curriculum.
“Beyond benefits for learners, the reform aims to protect teacher welfare by compartmentalizing administrative demands,” the DepEd said.
It added that grading cycles will be streamlined, and reporting and administrative requirements will be scheduled within specific periods.
“By designating timeframes for professional development and wellness, DepEd seeks to reduce the overlap of instructional and administrative duties that often leads to teacher burnout,” it said.
Under the new system approved by the Economy and Development Council chaired by President Marcos, the school year will have 201 days divided into three terms: June to September, September to December and January to March. The three-grading period policy also requires more school days and shorter breaks.
“By organizing the school year into clearer periods, DepEd aims to ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning, structured academic support for learners and streamlined scheduling of school activities and responsibilities,” it added.
