ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio questioned the Department of Education (DepEd) over its apparent return to a one-hour-per-subject class schedule, raising concerns that the move may signal inconsistent policy directions amid the ongoing implementation of the MATATAG curriculum.

During a committee hearing discussion, Tinio pointed out that sample schedules presented by the agency now reflect 60-minute class periods, contrasting earlier implementations that used 45-minute sessions under recent curriculum adjustments.

“Parang yoyo rin ang DepEd sa mga patakaran nila… ang laking adjustment na kailangan gawin… ngayon, balik tayo,” Tinio said, noting the potential impact on teaching continuity and student learning under the revised system.

In response, DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Datukan explained that the adjustment was made through an amendment to existing policy. He said the agency considered feedback from educators who had expressed a preference for longer class periods.

“We’re thinking that maybe the one hour… a majority of the teachers there was a clamor for the one-hour subject. Yun na po ang in-adapt namin dito,” Datukan said.

The exchange comes as the DepEd continues rolling out the MATATAG Curriculum, which was designed to decongest learning competencies and improve mastery among students.

Meanwhile, the agency also defended its broader education reforms, including the proposed three-term school calendar, saying it is part of a long-term strategy to improve learning continuity and align the academic structure with the goals of the MATATAG program. Officials said the calendar shift is intended to better distribute learning loads and reduce disruptions within the school year.

Tinio, however, maintained that frequent adjustments in class structure and calendar design may create instability in implementation, urging the DepEd to ensure policy consistency as schools adapt to the reforms.