NEWS

GAPS DEMAND ACTION

Assistant Principal highlights trimester shift to address learning gaps

Technical Drafting | News Writer

News Highlights:

• According to DepEd, there was a reported 50% learning loss in some subjects during the pandemic period.

• De Guzman explained that under the proposed shift, beginning School Year 2026–2027, the school calendar in all public schools will transition to a trimester format. 

• According to DepEd spokesperson Sonny Angara, stakeholders have already been consulted and the proposal will not require additional expenses. 

SURALLAH, South Cotabato—Assistant Principal of Polomolok National High School (Polomolok NHS) enlightened the proposed shift to the trimester school calendar among student journalists, accentuating the widened learning gaps of learners.

Agnes Y. De Guzman, Vice Principal of Polomolok NHS emphasized during the live coverage of Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2026 the trimester school calendar stating that the primary reason for implementing this system is to ensure that students are given sufficient time to rest, helping them avoid exhaustion.

“The main reason for implementing this [Trimester school calendar] is for the students to have adequate time to avoid burnout,” she exclaimed.

When further explaining, she added that it still remains a proposal, and they are still in the process of conducting consultations and gathering necessary information, as these challenges go beyond simple adjustments; they are intended to create a more balanced workload for both students and teachers.

“This [Trimester system] is a proposal pa man din and we are in the process of consultation gathering information,” De Guzman affirmed. “These challenges are not just about rearranging things, this could provide a more balanced workload for both students and teachers.”

According to the Department of Education (DepEd) it acknowledges the concerns raised by our legislators, teachers, and stakeholders. They take these views seriously as they acknowledge that structural reform and systemic issues, such as classroom shortage and teacher welfare, are not mutually exclusive. The trimester system remains a proposal, and no final decision has been made. DepEd is actively conducting consultations and will continue engaging education officials and stakeholders in the coming days to ensure that all voices are heard and considered. The intent of the proposal is to support broader reforms that simplify planning, improve the use of academic time, and reduce workload pressures on teachers.

Read More: Proposed Trimester System

Pandemic Highlighted Major Learning Gaps

During the briefing, De Guzman cited that the pandemic highlighted significant learning gaps among learners. 

According to DepEd, there was a reported 50% learning loss in some subjects during the pandemic period.

She explained that this learning loss prompted DepEd to re-evaluate the current academic calendar, recognizing the need to address retention and focus among students. 

The widened gaps became evident as learners struggled to cope with academic demands after disruptions in regular schooling.

The Assistant Principal noted that the key goal is the retention of learning, improved focus, and the well-being of both students and teachers. 

She stressed that calendar reform is considered pivotal in enhancing learning quality while ensuring fairness in workload distribution.

The concerns raised during consultations also reflect the need to strengthen planning and maximize academic time in order to respond to these gaps.

Trimester Calendar Proposed For Improvement

De Guzman explained that under the proposed shift, beginning School Year 2026–2027, the school calendar in all public schools will transition to a trimester format. 

She clarified that there will be no change in the total number of school days, which will remain at 201 days; however, adjustments will be made in extracurricular activities.

In the trimester setup, there will be breaks after each trimester, she stated that this structure allows students adequate time to rest while maintaining academic continuity.

The proposed reform also aims to allow more flexible learning and timely intervention, particularly in addressing learning gaps caused by the pandemic. 

It is intended to accommodate diverse learning needs and open opportunities for innovative learning methods.

Calendar reform, as discussed, is seen as a potential solution through the revision of the school calendar, with longer weeks allocated for discussion within each term, the system aims to significantly boost student engagement and strengthen learning retention.

De Guzman also mentioned that extracurricular activities such as Palarong Pambansa and National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) may be reduced under the revised calendar structure.

According to DepEd spokesperson Sonny Angara, stakeholders have already been consulted and the proposal will not require additional expenses. 

The proposed trimester system remains under consultation as DepEd continues to gather information and engage stakeholders before making a final decision.