16/04/2026
📌📌📌The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued DepEd ORDER No. 009, s. 2026 - GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE THREE-TERM SCHOOL CALENDAR IN BASIC EDUCATION, aiming to improve instructional time, reduce disruptions and enhance learning outcomes.
The policy, aligned with the government’s broader socioeconomic and education reform agendas, is designed to support the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. DepEd noted that the previous four-quarter system led to recurring interruptions, compressed teaching periods, increased teacher workload, and reduced student engagement—particularly among vulnerable learners. The shift to a three-term structure is expected to provide longer, more flexible learning periods and ease non-teaching responsibilities for educators, strengthening the quality of instruction.
Under the new calendar, School Year 2026–2027 will begin on June 8, 2026, and end on April 8, 2027, covering a total of 201 class days. Private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas and state and local universities and colleges may adopt the system, provided they comply with the legally mandated number of school days. The order also repeals previous DepEd guidelines on the school calendar and amends certain enrollment and transfer policies. DepEd emphasized that the new directive takes effect immediately upon publication and that further adjustments may be issued as needed, with strict compliance required from all concerned institutions.
