EDUCATION

DepEd: Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education – DO 009, s. 2026

April 16, 2026
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DO 009, s. 2026 – Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education

  1. The Department of Education (DepEd) issues the enclosed Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education to enable schools and community learning centers (CLCs) to optimize instructional time, strategically implement school activities, and strengthen the implementation of the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. This initiative aligns with the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Five-Point Reform Agenda of DepEd.
  2. A review of the existing four-quarter school calendar has revealed limitations, including recurring class disruptions that compress instructional time and contribute to learning gaps, increased teacher workload, and reduced learning engagement, especially among vulnerable learners. To address these challenges, the Department is adopting the Three-Term School Calendar to support more continuous learning, provide longer and more flexible instructional periods, reduce ancillary and non-teaching-related tasks of teachers, and ensure more manageable teaching workloads. Ultimately, this reform aims to strengthen the quality of instruction and advance improved and more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.
  3. Private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state/local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) may adopt the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education and its corresponding guidelines. Notwithstanding such adoption, these schools shall abide by the required number of class days and the opening of the school year (SY) in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7797 (An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred [200] Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty [220] Class Days), as amended by RA 11480 (An Act Amending Section 3 of RA 7797, Otherwise Known as an Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred [200] Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty [220] Class Days).
  4. The SY 2026-2027 shall formally open on Monday, June 8, 2026, and end on Thursday, April 8, 2027. It shall consist of 201 class days, from the first day of Term 1 to the last day of Term 3. Adjustments to the school calendar due to unforeseen circumstances may be made through subsequent issuances. For succeeding school years, DepEd shall issue a Memorandum before the start of every school year, specifying the detailed schedule of school activities as well as celebrations and observances.
  5. This Order expressly repeals DepEd Order (DO) No. 012, s. 2025 (Multi-year Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities) in its entirety and amends the transfer and enrollment provisions in DO 017, s. 2025 (Revised Basic Education Enrollment Policy). All other related issuances, rules, regulations, and provisions that are inconsistent with this Order are repealed, rescinded, or modified accordingly.
  6. This Order shall take effect immediately upon its approval, issuance, and publication in the DepEd website, the Official Gazette, or a newspaper of general circulation. Certified copies of this Order shall be registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the University of the Philippines Law Center (UP LC), UP Diliman, Quezon City.

DO 009, s. 2026 – Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education – DOWNLOAD

DepEd Rolls Out Three-Term School Calendar to Boost Learning and Reduce Classroom Disruptions

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially introduced a major reform in the country’s basic education system through the issuance of DepEd Order (DO) No. 009, s. 2026, which outlines the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education. The move is aimed at improving instructional efficiency, easing teacher workload, and strengthening student learning outcomes nationwide.

Under the new policy, schools and community learning centers (CLCs) will transition from the traditional four-quarter system to a three-term academic calendar, allowing for longer and more flexible instructional periods. DepEd said this shift is designed to address long-standing issues such as frequent class interruptions, compressed teaching time, and declining student engagement—particularly among vulnerable learners.

The reform also supports the government’s broader development goals, aligning with the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DepEd’s own Five-Point Reform Agenda. Central to the initiative is the enhancement of the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which focuses on helping students recover from pandemic-related learning losses.

DepEd emphasized that the previous four-quarter calendar often resulted in fragmented learning due to repeated disruptions. These challenges not only widened learning gaps but also increased administrative and non-teaching burdens on educators. By adopting a three-term structure, the Department aims to promote more continuous learning, streamline school activities, and create a more balanced workload for teachers.

The new school calendar for School Year (SY) 2026–2027 will officially begin on June 8, 2026, and conclude on April 8, 2027, covering a total of 201 class days. DepEd noted that adjustments may still be made in response to unforeseen events, with additional guidelines to be released before each school year.

Private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state and local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) are also permitted to adopt the three-term system. However, they must continue to comply with existing laws, particularly the mandated 200 to 220 class days as required under Republic Act No. 7797, as amended by RA 11480.

In line with the new directive, DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2025, which previously governed multi-year school calendar guidelines, has been fully repealed. The new order also introduces amendments to certain provisions of DO 017, s. 2025, particularly those related to student transfer and enrollment policies.

The Department confirmed that the order takes effect immediately upon publication and registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the University of the Philippines Law Center.

Education officials expressed optimism that the three-term school calendar will pave the way for a more resilient and effective education system—one that prioritizes both quality instruction and the well-being of teachers and learners alike.

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