The Department of Education (DepEd) announced a package of reforms for School Year 2026-2027 aimed at improving student learning outcomes and providing stronger support for teachers across the Philippines.

According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the reforms were designed to make the education system clearer, improve teaching effectiveness, and focus more closely on the needs of learners.DepEd estimates that more than 26 million students and nearly 900,000 teachers will benefit from these changes.One of the key reforms is the implementation of a three-term school calendar.

DepEd clarified that this change will only reorganize the academic year and will not alter the curriculum, subjects, standards, or required number of school days.

The agency said the new structure will allow better pacing of lessons and provide dedicated periods for remediation, enrichment, and learning consolidation.Another major initiative is the Learning Continuity in Emergencies policy under DepEd Order No.14, series of 2026.

This policy authorizes school leaders to coordinate with local authorities and education officials to implement localized class suspensions during emergencies.

It introduces a four-level framework—Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, and Hinti—to guide schools in determining appropriate learning responses based on local conditions.

For teachers, DepEd introduced the ILAW Framework for lesson planning, which simplifies documentation requirements, removes unnecessary templates, and allows responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The department also updated assessment and grading policies, including phased descriptive grading in early grades and greater use of assessment results to support remediation and enrichment efforts.

In senior high school, the strengthened curriculum expands elective options and aims to better prepare students for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.DepEd also said teachers are expected to receive their P10,000 teaching allowance as classes resume.