Manila: The three-term academic calendar set by the Department of Education (DepEd) is expected to strengthen remediation efforts for struggling learners, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Monday. Gatchalian, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, noted that the new structure introduces dedicated time for academic intervention, addressing persistent gaps in reading and mathematics.
According to Philippines News Agency, the calendar, which is set for rollout in School Year 2026-2027, will divide the academic year into three terms, each organized into specific blocks for instruction, intervention, and school-related activities. This new calendar structure includes an instructional block for uninterrupted teaching and learning, followed by an end-of-term block focused on academic intervention, professional development, and wellness breaks.
Gatchalian highlighted that the first term will feature an opening block for learner profiling and administrative preparations, ensuring a thorough understanding of student needs from the outset. In preparation for this shift, orientations for teachers, school leaders, and other stakeholders are scheduled for April.
The senator emphasized that the additional time for remediation aligns with the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning program, which has been allocated PHP8.9 billion under the 2026 national budget. He stated that by institutionalizing structured remediation within the school calendar, learning outcomes could improve, particularly for students lagging behind in foundational skills.
