ILOILO City – An education official in Iloilo has welcomed the government’s decision to shift to a three-term academic calendar, saying it could lead to more effective teaching and improved student learning.
Leonil Salvilla, spokesperson of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo said in a radion interview that the newly approved system, which replaces the traditional four grading periods, is designed to give teachers and students more time to complete lessons without rushing.
He noted that the revised calendar will allow a more relaxed and adaptive pacing of instruction, particularly during interruptions such as typhoons and other emergencies that often disrupt classes.
Under the new setup, the first term will cover 54 school days along with six to 10 days dedicated to enrichment activities. The second term will have 55 school days, also with six to 10 enrichment days, while the third term will span 61 school days, including six days for enrichment.
Salvilla said the change is expected to support more consistent learning among students while also helping ease teachers’ workload through shorter grading periods and scheduled breaks.
Despite the shift, schools will still comply with the required minimum of 180 instructional days each academic year, in line with ongoing reforms in the education sector./PN
