DepEd integrates overseas Filipino learners in education reforms

The Department of Education (DepEd) is integrating Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) into its ongoing nationwide education reforms, aiming to ensure that Filipino learners abroad are included in policy changes set to roll out in the coming school year.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move aligns with the administration’s directive to make the country’s education system more inclusive and responsive to global learners.

“Following the marching orders of President Bongbong Marcos, we are committed to ensuring that our global learners are not left behind as we transform our curriculum to be more responsive and future-ready,” Angara said.

“Through these orientations, we want to ensure our schools are prepared and supported for the upcoming school year as we implement these vital changes,” he added.

The announcement came during a virtual “Online Kumustahan” session attended by representatives from 35 PSOs, where DepEd officials outlined key reforms for School Year 2026–2027.

Among the major changes discussed were the transition to a three-term school calendar, updated guidelines on classroom assessment and grading, and the rollout of the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Program.

DepEd said it is conducting nationwide orientations for regional and division officials, school heads, and teachers to guide them through the implementation of these reforms.

The latest session followed an earlier virtual dialogue on April 7, where officials assured overseas educators and learners—particularly those in the Middle East—of government support amid ongoing regional tensions.

According to DepEd, the reforms will affect more than 25,000 learners across 10 countries, most of whom are based in the Middle East.

Officials said the shift to a three-term school calendar is intended to maximize instructional time, reduce disruptions, and streamline administrative workloads for teachers.

The updated assessment and grading guidelines, along with the strengthened SHS curriculum, aim to better prepare students for higher education or employment.

Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje said the reforms should be viewed as part of a broader, interconnected effort to improve learning outcomes.

“Ito po ang DepEd reforms—dugtong-dugtong, magkakaugnay upang higit na mapatibay ang ating sistemang pang-edukasyon,” he said.
(These DepEd reforms are interconnected, designed to further strengthen our education system.)

While the three-term school calendar will be mandatory under the K to 12 program nationwide, DepEd said PSOs will be given a transition period and flexibility to adjust implementation based on local conditions in host countries.

The agency added that aligning overseas schools with national standards will help ensure smoother reintegration for Filipino learners returning to the Philippines.

National Schools Press Conference

Meanwhile, the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) concluded on Friday with CALABARZON (Region IV-A) emerging as the overall champion, as education officials highlighted the role of campus journalism in shaping responsible and principled storytellers.

DepEd said the event brought together campus journalists to compete in individual and group categories while engaging in activities aimed at strengthening journalism skills and media awareness.

Placing second overall is the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Region II in third, with Region V and Region III completing the top five.

In a message, Angara underscored the broader role of campus journalism beyond the competition.

“Sa bawat balitang isinulat ninyo, sa bawat katotohanang pinili ninyong ipaglaban, hinuhubog ninyo hindi lamang ang inyong sarili kundi ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagsusulat. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paninindigan para sa bansa,” Angara said.

(In every story you write and every truth you choose to uphold, you shape not only yourselves but the future of the nation. Continue writing and standing for the country.)

“Sa panahon ng ingay at impormasyon, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang kakayahang pumili ng tama at ipaglaban ang katotohanan. Nawa’y dalhin ninyo ang aral ng NSPC—na ang isang mamamahayag ay may paninindigan, may pananagutan, at may malasakit sa bayan,” he added.

(In a time of noise and information, what matters most is the ability to discern what is right and stand for the truth. May you carry the lessons of the NSPC—that a journalist must have conviction, accountability, and concern for the nation.)

In her closing message, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez encouraged participants to continue telling stories beyond the event.

“You have to honor the journey. Keep writing, keep sharing your stories because life is a collection of stories. We are very inspired here in Ormoc,” she said.

This year’s NSPC carried the theme “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag” (Critical, Principled, and Accountable Journalism), which DepEd said reflects efforts to develop student journalists who can think critically and practice responsible reporting.

The annual conference is considered the country’s flagship event for campus journalism, serving as the culmination of regional competitions and a platform for student journalists to showcase their work.—LDF, GMA News