The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a nationwide series of orientations for school heads and teachers as part of preparations for major policy reforms set to take effect in School Year 2026–2027, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced.

The orientation sessions began on April 24, with public school heads across the country undergoing training to equip them for leading and managing new academic protocols.

These follow earlier regional and division planning conferences and will continue through cluster-based orientations until the end of April. A broader rollout for both school heads and teachers is scheduled from May 2 to 15.

Angara said the early rollout reflects a more deliberate and structured approach to implementing reforms in the education system.

“Hindi puwedeng papel lang ang pagbabago. Kailangan ramdam ito sa bawat classroom,” he said, emphasizing that educators must understand not only the changes but also their purpose and application.

He also stressed that reforms should not add unnecessary workload to teachers, stating, “No unnecessary reports, no extra tasks that take teachers away from teaching.”

The orientations are being led by senior DepEd officials to ensure accurate and consistent communication of policy updates nationwide. Sessions may be conducted through face-to-face, online, or self-paced formats, supported by training materials and resource persons to ensure accessibility and quality.

Among the key reforms to be introduced is the implementation of a three-term school calendar, which includes an “opening block” at the start of the academic year. This period will focus on baseline assessments, school diagnostics, and preparatory programs such as feeding initiatives, allowing administrative tasks to be completed before formal instruction begins.

Undersecretary for Learning Systems Carmela Oracion clarified that the revised calendar will not increase costs for families, noting that the total number of school days remains unchanged. “Pareho pa rin ang kabuuang bilang ng school days. Ang binabago natin ay kung paano ginagamit ang oras,” she said.

DepEd also underscored that reducing teachers’ administrative workload is a central component of the reforms, with school heads directed to streamline requirements and align with national efforts to simplify teachers’ responsibilities.

The orientation will also cover updates on classroom assessment and grading systems, lesson planning, flexible learning programs, continuity protocols during emergencies, and enhancements to the senior high school curriculum and work immersion.

The agency said these reforms aim to improve learning outcomes by creating a more focused and supportive environment for both students and educators.