MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has proposed shifting public schools to a trimester system to improve the quality of instruction and reduce teachers’ workload.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the proposal aims to provide longer and more flexible learning periods throughout the school year.

Under the proposed system, 201 school days will be distributed across three academic terms to allow better pacing of lessons and minimize teaching disruptions.

Each trimester will include about 54 to 61 instructional days, along with enrichment periods for remediation, computation of grades, preparation and checking of school forms, and wellness breaks.

Angara said the trimester breaks will also give teachers more time for lesson planning, assessment, and other professional tasks, helping ease administrative burdens.

“We are promoting this to have longer, continuous periods of learning, better pacing of lessons, and reduced administrative workload for our teachers,” he said.

Based on the proposed calendar for School Year 2026–2027, classes will open in early June. The first trimester will run from June to September, followed by the second term from September to December, and the final term from January to late March.

DepEd said the proposal is part of its efforts to enhance learning outcomes while ensuring the well-being of teachers and school personnel.