Proposed trimester system still under study, says DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday clarified that the proposed shift to a trimester system remains under study, as it acknowledged concerns raised by lawmakers, teachers, and other education stakeholders.

In an official statement, DepEd emphasized that no final decision has been made on the proposed academic calendar reform and that consultations are ongoing.

“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 agency said.

The clarification comes amid questions from legislators and educators about how the shift to a trimester system would affect classroom shortages, teacher workload, and overall implementation readiness.

DepEd recognized that structural reforms and long-standing systemic issues—such as classroom shortages and teacher welfare—are interconnected concerns that must be addressed together.

“We take these views seriously as we acknowledge that structural reform and systemic issues, such as classroom shortages and teacher welfare, are not mutually exclusive,” the department said.

According to DepEd, the proposal aims to support broader education reforms to simplify academic planning, improve the use of instructional time, and reduce teachers' workload pressures.

Education officials maintained that any change to the academic structure must ultimately strengthen learning continuity while improving working conditions for educators.

“DepEd remains committed to refining the proposal based on feedback from the field. Our priority is that any reform must strengthen learning continuity while improving conditions for both learners and educators,” the agency added.

The department has not yet provided a timeline for when a final decision on the trimester proposal will be announced, but reiterated its commitment to a consultative process before implementing any major reform.—MCG, GMA Integrated News