Classes Open Nationwide Under New Three-Term School Calendar

The Department of Education (DepEd) expects total student enrollment to hit between 26 million and 28 million for School Year 2026–2027 as classes officially open nationwide on June 8, 2026.

As of late last week, DepEd Assistant Secretary Jocelyn Andaya reported that close to 26 million learners have already registered. Education officials expect late registrations to continue streaming in through the end of June.

Major Calendar and Curriculum Reforms

This school year marks the full implementation of the three-term school calendar across public schools. According to DepEd Undersecretary Carmela Oracion, the shift aims to provide longer, more focused learning periods and improve instructional time while minimizing disruptions.

Despite switching to a three-term setup, the total number of school days remains fixed at 202 days. 

READ MORE: JUNE 8: FIRST DAY OF CLASS

Alongside the calendar shift, DepEd is rolling out critical academic reforms, including: Strengthened Senior High School curriculum for Grade 11 students.; Expanded work immersion hours to boost student employability.; and Institutionalized flexible learning programs for emergency education scenarios.

Staffing and Persistent Resource Gaps

The agency declared "all systems go" regarding workforce readiness. DepEd confirmed it employs over one million teaching and non-teaching personnel, assuring the public there are enough teachers deployed across 47,972 public schools.

However, severe infrastructural shortages continue to pressure the public education system:

Classroom Shortage: The national classroom backlog stands at 136,000 units.

Mitigation Efforts: The Department of Public Works and Highways promised to deliver 9,000 new and repaired classrooms this year.

Urban Density: While the national student-to-classroom ratio averages roughly 1:35, class sizes in highly urbanized cities frequently exceed 50 students per room.

National Coordination and Security

To support the mass return of students, over 55,000 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are deploying to secure school vicinities and transport hubs. Concurrently, DepEd is running its nationwide Oplan Balik Eskwela operational framework to manage logistical hurdles, address parental inquiries, and counter viral misinformation regarding school suspensions.