Teachers' Alliance Raises Alarms Over DepEd's Proposed Trimester System
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers – Philippines has strongly criticized the Department of Education's (DepEd) plan to swiftly implement a trimester system for the upcoming School Year 2026-2027. In an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo, Ruby Bernardo, the National Chairperson of the group, revealed that a recent survey among teachers uncovered that this proposal did not undergo thorough consultation with educators.
Concerns Over Implementation and Adjustments
Bernardo emphasized that the alliance is not opposed to educational reforms in principle. However, they express significant apprehension about the potential for major disruptions. The shift could require extensive adjustments in grading systems, paperwork, and other administrative processes, which might overwhelm teachers and schools already facing resource constraints.
According to Bernardo, if the government aims to address the ongoing crisis in the education sector, altering the school calendar is not the solution. Instead, she argues that what is urgently needed are additional teaching and non-teaching personnel, more classrooms, and comprehensive support for educators. She stressed that any reform should be meticulously examined and discussed in detail before implementation to ensure its effectiveness and feasibility.
DepEd's Rationale and Broader Context
Recall that DepEd has previously announced it is studying the adoption of a trimester system as part of a "holistic approach" to achieve better time management for students and more efficient teaching practices. This move is intended to create a more balanced academic schedule, but the teachers' group warns that without proper groundwork, it could lead to unintended consequences.
The criticism highlights a growing tension between policy initiatives and on-the-ground realities in the Philippine education system. As debates continue, stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive and transparent process to navigate these proposed changes.
