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

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.

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